According to the latest data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), published on Monday, Germany has ranked fourth in the world in arms exports. This comes amid the growth of the country's defense industry, despite overall economic difficulties.
The SIPRI Institute, founded in 1966 by a decision of the Swedish parliament and primarily funded by the government, reports that Germany has outpaced China in arms export volumes. Now China occupies the fifth position, while the USA remains in first place, followed by France and Russia.
The increase in demand for arms in Europe, driven by the conflict in Ukraine, has been the main factor contributing to this change. According to SIPRI, nearly 24% of German arms exports were directed to support Ukraine, while 17% went to other European countries, including NATO partners.
China, although it has lost one position in the global exporter ranking, is showing steady growth. Compared to the previous five years (2016-2021), the volume of Chinese exports has increased by 11%. This indicates that China has become more autonomous in arms production and less dependent on foreign supplies, actively developing the market in regions such as Pakistan.
According to the latest report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China is now more focused on meeting its own military production needs.
Despite the boom in the defense sector, the German economy is expected to remain in a state of stagnation — GDP growth is projected to be only 0.9-1.2% in March 2026.
Increase in Arms Imports in Europe
According to SIPRI, from 2016 to 2020 and from 2021 to 2025, global arms supply volumes increased by 9.2%. During this time, European countries tripled their arms purchases.
"The rise in tensions and conflicts in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East has contributed to a significant increase in arms imports, which, in turn, has led to an overall growth in global supplies of nearly 10%," noted Matthew George, director of SIPRI.
The USA remains the leader in the arms supply market, holding a 42% share of international arms exports from 2021 to 2025 and supplying 99 countries. In comparison, this figure was 36% in 2016-2020. Thus, the USA continues to strengthen its position in the global arms market.
Among the countries receiving American weapons, 35 are in Europe, 18 in the Americas, 17 in Africa, 17 in Asia and Oceania, and 12 in the Middle East.
"The USA has significantly strengthened its influence as a weapons supplier, even in the context of a growing multipolar world," commented Pieter Wezeman, senior researcher at the SIPRI Arms Transfers Program.
Source: euronews.com
