Europe has tripled its arms imports from 2016–2020 to 2021–2025, driven by the Ukraine war and broader Western security concerns, with Germany rising to become the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter, surpassing China.

Saudi Arabia remains the largest individual recipient of US weapons, accounting for about 12 percent, while Europe collectively has surpassed other regions as the top buyer.

If U.S. military needs in the Middle East tighten, supply constraints could further impact arms deliveries to other states, according to a SIPRI expert.

The US share of global weapons exports grew from about 36% to 42% in the period, even as global arms deliveries rose roughly 10%.

The SIPRI report anticipates a further lift in Middle East arms procurement, focusing on anti-missile and air-defence systems to replace expended equipment and bolster defenses.

SIPRI clarifies that its statistics measure volume of military equipment, not the monetary value of arms deliveries, using its own defense hardware indicators.

US arms suppliers are expected to maintain dominance, supported by orders for fighters like the F-35 and attack helicopters.

The SIPRI report covers major conventional weapons—aircraft, missiles, artillery, propulsion for ships and aircraft—but excludes small arms.

Rising defense needs across regions, including concerns about future U.S. commitment to NATO, are expected to keep arms purchases elevated.

Beyond Europe, Middle East imports have declined, even as regional demand remains buoyed by ongoing conflicts and strategic uncertainty.

SIPRI is an independent Stockholm-based institute funded largely by governments, publishing annual arms-trade data based on delivery volumes rather than value.

The main driver for European demand is arms deliveries to Ukraine, aided by Europe’s advanced capabilities and close US ties.