Amidst the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and rising tensions in various regions, a recent report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) sheds light on significant shifts in the global arms trade landscape.

Covering the period from 2019 to 2023, the report reveals a 3.3% decrease in total global arms trade compared to the previous five years. However, the data underscores a notable surge in arms purchases by European countries, primarily fueled by concerns stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Notably, American arms manufacturers emerge as the primary beneficiaries of this trend, with arms exports from the United States increasing by 17% during the period. This surge consolidates the United States’ position as the world’s largest arms exporter, accounting for a staggering 42% of global arms exports.

In contrast, Russia’s arms exports experienced a significant decline, halving compared to the previous reporting period. This decline sees Russia slipping to third place among the largest arms exporters, behind France, whose exports surged by 47%.

Meanwhile, Israel witnessed a decline in arms exports, with a notable 22.5% drop during the examined period. Despite this decrease, Israel remains a key player in the arms trade, ranking ninth among the largest arms exporters globally.

The report also highlights shifting dynamics in arms imports, with India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Ukraine, and Pakistan emerging as the top importers. Ukraine, in particular, received 23% of all arms imports to Europe, underscoring the significant impact of the current war on arms procurement.

Further analysis reveals shifts in the distribution of arms exports, with the United States accounting for 38% of American arms exports to Israel, down from 50% in the previous reporting period. Notably, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Israel are identified as the top recipients of American arms exports in the Middle East region.

Despite these fluctuations, the report indicates relative stability in arms imports by Israel, with levels of arms imports from the United States remaining largely unchanged between 2022 and 2023, despite heightened tensions in the region.

Main article image credit: www.rafael.co.il