SIPRI: For the first time, Russia took the third place in the world in arms exports
Over the past five years, arms exports from Russia have fallen by 53%, giving France second place. The United States was again in the first place, holding 42% of the global market. Ukraine became the largest importer in Europe - its share in global arms imports amounted to 4.9%.
Arms exports from Russia decreased by 53% between 2019 and 2023 compared to the previous five-year period from 2014 to 2018. The country's share in the global arms market was 11%, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
For the first time, Russia lost second place among the leading arms exporters and took the third place, behind France, which increased its sales by 47% and at the same time has a share of 11% in world exports. The USA remains the leader, having increased its sales by 17% and holding 42% of the global market.
The top ten exporting countries also included: China (decrease by 5.3%, 5.8% of the world market), Germany (decrease by 14%, 5.6% of the world market), Italy (increase by 86%, 4.3% of the world market), Great Britain (decrease by 14%, 3.7% of the world market), Spain (decrease by 3.3%, 2.7% of the global market), Israel (decrease by 25%, 2.4% of the global market), South Korea (increase by 12%, 2% of the global market).
How Russian exports have been declining
The SIPRI report indicates that the decline in Russian arms exports has become especially noticeable over the past five years. In 2019, Russia supplied weapons to 31 countries, in 2022 - to 14, and in 2023 - to 12. Most of the supplies, namely 68%, came from Asia and Oceania, while the Middle East and Africa accounted for 13% and 10%, respectively.
Among the largest buyers of weapons were India (34%), China (21%) and Egypt (7.5%). However, sales to these countries decreased by 34%, 39% and 54%, respectively, compared to the previous five-year period.
During the same period, the United States supplied the main types of weapons to 107 countries, which is a record figure. 38% of all shipments were sent to the Middle East, 31% to Asia and Oceania, and 28% to Europe. France increased its shipments to 64 countries, with 42% of exports going to Asia and Oceania, and 34% to the Middle East. India became the largest buyer of French weapons, accounting for almost 30% of the total.
Ukraine is the largest importer of weapons in Europe
Arms shipments to Europe increased by 94% between 2019 and 2023. Ukraine has become the largest importer in the region and the fourth in the world. Since the beginning of the military conflict between Moscow and Kiev, at least 30 countries have provided military assistance to Ukraine. Its share in global arms imports increased from 0.1% between 2014 and 2018 to 4.9%.
At the same time, about 55% of the weapons imported by European countries between 2019 and 2023 came from the United States, which is 20% more than in the previous five-year period. Dan Smith, Director of SIPRI, notes that this indicates the significant military-industrial potential of Europe.
At the end of last year, Dmitry Shugaev, head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), argued that "Russia will not be able to oust from the international arms market." In his opinion, the Russian industry is working quite effectively, and the country has something to offer, especially given the successful use of many types of equipment in real combat conditions.
Shugaev stressed that the export of military products is carried out in accordance with plans and agreements with foreign partners.
"This is really a sign of the quality inherent in our aviation technology, including helicopter and fighter aircraft," he said at the time.
Shugaev also noted that despite attempts to pressure and discredit, the demand for Russian military goods remains stable.
Gennady Svidrigailov
