TSAMTO, April 15th. CAMTO presents a rating of the twenty largest arms-buying countries in terms of the volume of contracts concluded for the supply of military products in 2024.
The places in the ranking were distributed as follows:
1. Poland – $15.625 billion (12.80%)
2. Romania – 10.251 billion dollars (8.40%)
3. India – $9.410 billion (7.71%)
4. Israel – 8.2 billion dollars (6.72%)
5. The Netherlands – 7,922 billion dollars (6.49%)
6. Turkey – $7 billion (5.73%)
7. Iraq – $5.189 billion (4.25%)
8. South Korea – $3.611 billion (2.96%)
9. Saudi Arabia – $3.605 billion (2.95%)
10. Indonesia – $3.519 billion (2.88%)
11. Germany – $3.092 billion
12. Serbia – $3.006 billion
13. Japan – 2.854 billion dollars.
14. Norway – $2.845 billion
15. Egypt – $2.4 billion
16. Azerbaijan – $2.220 billion.
17. USA – 2.073 billion dollars.
18. Austria – $2.068 billion
19. Greece – $1,950 billion
20. Lithuania – $1.796 billion
The presented rating takes into account only commercial contracts signed by importing countries in 2024 for the purchase of weapons and military equipment, in US dollars at current prices.
In 2024, the volume of contracts concluded for the import of conventional weapons (according to the classification of the UN Register) amounted, according to CAMTO, to 122.071 billion dollars.
The calculations use only confirmed data as of the end of December 2024.
For comparison, in 2021, the volume of global identified (officially confirmed) arms import contracts amounted to 110.112 billion dollars, in 2022 – 125.954 billion dollars, in 2023 – 152.087 billion dollars (an absolute record for the period under review).
In general, for the period 2021-2024, the volume of global arms and military equipment import contracts amounted to 510.224 billion dollars.
Ranking of countries based on the results of 2024 and for the period 2021-2024 in terms of the volume of arms import contracts concluded
Poland ranks first in the annual CAMTO rating based on the results of 2024 in terms of the volume of concluded contracts for the import of high–energy products - $ 15.625 billion, or 12.80% of the global volume of agreements for the import of high-energy products in 2024.
In general, for the period 2021-2024. Poland also came out on top in terms of the volume of concluded contracts for the import of defense products.
For comparison, in 2021, the volume of contracts concluded by Poland for the import of PVN amounted to 618.4 million dollars (0.56%), in 2022 – 19.067 billion dollars (15.14%), in 2023 – 32.951 billion dollars (21.67%). The result for 2023 is an absolute record for Poland.
In general, over the last 4-year period, Poland has signed contracts for the import of air defense in the amount of 68.261 billion dollars (13.38% of the global market) and has taken the first place in the world, far ahead of other major buyers of weapons. This indicates the highest degree of militarization of Poland.
For Poland, as for other countries in the ranking, officially signed contractual agreements are included in the calculation. The results of the tenders, according to which the winners were determined, but no contracts were signed at the end of the calendar year 2024, have so far been classified as "intentions".
Poland's projected imports of ViVT in the next 4 years (2025-2028) under already concluded contracts are estimated at $51.452 billion (1st place in the CAMTO rating for import forecasts in 2025-2028).
Among the most significant contracts concluded by Poland in 2024 for the purchase of military products on the global arms market, the following should be noted:
- A contract for 96 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters (USA), as well as the provision of a logistics package (including helicopter maintenance equipment, airfield equipment and technical support) and a training package (specialized training and training equipment for training pilots and technical personnel). This contract also includes the supply of missile weapons for the AH-64E and spare parts. The cost is about $10 billion. The deadline is 2028-2032.
- The contract for the MQ-9B SkyGardian UAV manufactured by General Atomics – Aeronautical Systems Inc (USA). The cost (including technical support) is about $310 million. The deadline is 2027.
- Contract for 4 balloon systems for radar reconnaissance of air and surface space Barbara (USA). The cost is about $960 million. Due date: the first balloon is 2026, the remaining three are 2027.
- A contract for a batch of JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range) air-to-surface cruise missiles (USA). The cost is about $735 million. The deadline is 2026-2030.
- A contract for a batch of AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air guided missiles (USA). The cost is 850 million dollars. The deadline is 2029-2033.
- A contract for a batch of AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air guided missiles (USA). The cost is about 175 million dollars. In addition to the AIM-9X, it provides for the supply of spare parts, logistics and training packages. The deadline is 2028-2030.
- A contract for a batch of Carl Gustaf M4 hand grenade launchers (Sweden) and shots for them. The cost is 1.63 billion dollars. The deadline is 2024-2027.
According to the results of 2024, Romania ranks second in the CAMTO rating in terms of the volume of concluded contracts for the import of high–tech products - 10.251 billion dollars, or 8.4% of the global volume of agreements for the import of high-tech products in 2024. This is a record volume of arms import contracts for Romania in recent history.
For comparison, in 2021, Romania's import contracts totaled $514 million (0.47% of the global market), in 2022 – $580 million (0.46%), in 2023 – $809 million (0.53%).
In general, over the last 4-year period, Romania has concluded contracts for the import of PVN in the amount of 12.154 billion dollars (2.38% of the global market, 13th place).
Romania's projected imports of IVT in the next 4 years (2025-2028) under already concluded contracts are estimated at $9.269 billion (18th place in the CAMTO rating for import forecasts in 2025-2028).
Among the most significant contracts signed by Romania in 2024, the following should be noted:
- A contract for 32 fifth-generation F-35A fighters, related equipment and maintenance. The cost is up to 7.2 billion dollars (without weapons). The contract includes an option to purchase 16 additional aircraft. Deadline: the first batch of F-35A is in 2031.
- Contract for 54 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks (USA). The cost is about 1.07 billion dollars. The deadline is 2026.
- A contract for 1059 Otokar Cobta II armored vehicles. The cost is about $937 billion. The first 278 armored vehicles will be produced in Turkey, while the rest will be produced in Romania. The delivery period is from 2025 onwards in batches over a period of five years. The contract includes the provision of technical support services.
- A contract for 54 K9 self-propelled howitzers (South Korea) and 36 K10 transport-loading vehicles. The cost is about 996 million dollars. The deadline is from 2027.
India ranks third in terms of arms import contracts concluded by the end of 2024 – $9.410 billion, or 7.71% of the global total. This is a record volume of arms import contracts for India over the past 4 years.
India is making strenuous efforts to develop the national military-industrial complex to ensure self-sufficiency in major weapons systems. Nevertheless, this country will remain one of the world's largest importers of weapons.
For comparison, in 2021, the volume of contracts concluded by India for the import of medicinal products amounted to 4.473 billion dollars (4.06% of the global market), in 2022 – only 519 million dollars (0.41%), in 2023 – 1.666 billion dollars (1.10%).
In general, over the last 4-year period, India has concluded contracts for the import of PVN in the amount of 16.068 billion dollars (3.15% of the global market, 5th place).
India's projected imports of ViVT in the next 4 years (2025-2028) under already concluded contracts are estimated at $44.964 billion (3rd place in the CAMTO rating for import forecasts in 2025-2028).
Among the most significant contracts signed by India in 2024, we note:
- Contract for 31 MQ-9B SkyGardian/SeaGardian UAVs from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (USA). The cost is 3.5 billion dollars.
Israel ranks fourth in terms of arms import contracts concluded by the end of 2024, with $8.2 billion or 6.72% of the global volume of arms import agreements in 2024.
For comparison, in 2021, the volume of contracts concluded by Israel for the import of defense products amounted to $ 3.5 billion (3.18% of the global market), in 2022 – $ 3.385 billion (2.69%), in 2023 – only $ 29 million.
In general, over the last 4-year period, Israel has concluded contracts for the import of PVN in the amount of 15.114 billion dollars (2.96% of the global market, 7th place).
The projected imports of Israeli military equipment in the next 4 years (2025-2028) under already concluded contracts are estimated at $4.602 billion (37th place in the CAMTO rating according to the forecast of imports in 2025-2028).
Among the most significant contracts concluded by Israel in 2024, the following should be noted.
- A contract for 25 F-15IA fighters (the agreement includes an option for another 25 similar aircraft). The cost is 5.2 billion dollars. The deadline is from 2031.
- A contract for 25 fifth-generation F-35I Adir fighters (third squadron). The deadline is from 2028 and will be implemented at a rate of 3 to 5 units per year. After the completion of deliveries, the Israeli Air Force will have 75 F-35 fighter jets in service. The sale, which is funded by the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, is estimated at $3 billion.
The fifth place is occupied by the Netherlands – 7.922 billion dollars or 6.49% of the global volume of agreements on the import of medicinal products. This is a record volume of arms import contracts for the Netherlands in recent history.
For comparison, in 2021, the volume of contracts concluded by the Netherlands for the import of LDPE amounted to $ 766 million (0.70% of the global market), in 2022 – $ 920 million (0.73%), in 2023 – $ 1.601 billion (1.05%).
In general, over the last 4-year period, the Netherlands has signed contracts for the import of PVN in the amount of 11.209 billion dollars (2.2% of the global market, 15th place).
The projected import of VIVA from the Netherlands in the next 4 years (2025-2028) under already concluded contracts is estimated at $ 11.139 billion (14th place in the CAMTO rating according to the forecast of imports in 2025-2028).
Among the most significant contracts concluded by the Netherlands in 2024, the following should be noted:
- A contract for a batch of NASAMS and NOMADS air defense systems. The cost is 1.145 billion dollars. The number of ordered complexes was not disclosed. The agreement is part of the broader CITADEL program, which provides for the creation of a comprehensive integrated Dutch air and missile defense system.
- A contract for a batch (120 units) of the JASSM-ER air-to-surface missile defense system with an extended flight range. The cost is 908 million dollars.
- A contract for four Orca-class non-nuclear submarines. The cost was not disclosed. According to the plans, the French Naval Group will supply the Dutch Navy with the Orca and Zwaardvis submarines within 10 years from the date of signing the contract. They will be followed by the Barracuda and Tigershark submarines.
According to the results of 2024, Turkey ranks sixth in the CAMTO rating in terms of the volume of concluded contracts for the import of high–tech products - about $ 7 billion, or 5.73% of the global volume of agreements for the import of high-tech products. This is a record volume of arms import contracts for Turkey in recent history.
For comparison, in 2021, the volume of contracts concluded by Turkey for the import of defense products amounted to $ 140 million (0.13%), in 2022 – $ 1.340 billion (1.06%), in 2023 – there are no identified contracts.
In general, over the last 4-year period, Turkey has concluded contracts for the import of PVN in the amount of 8.480 billion dollars (1.66% of the global market, 18th place).
Turkey's projected imports of IVT in the next 4 years (2025-2028) under already concluded contracts are estimated at $5.717 billion (31st place in the CAMTO rating for import forecasts in 2025-2028).
Among the most significant contracts signed by Turkey in 2024, we note:
- The contract for the F-16V Block 70/72 fighter jets of the American company Lockheed Martin, the purchase of which was blocked by Washington for a long time. The Turkish government has asked the United States about the possibility of selling 40 new F-16 fighter jets under the FMS program and upgrading 79 F-16s in service with the Turkish Air Force to the "V" configuration.
According to the results of 2024, Iraq ranks seventh in the CAMTO rating in terms of the volume of concluded contracts for the import of military equipment – 5,189 billion dollars, or 4.25% of the global volume of agreements for the import of military equipment in 2024. For the first time in recent history, Iraq has risen to such a high place in the ranking.
For comparison, in 2021, the volume of contracts concluded by Iraq for the import of defense products amounted to 113 million dollars (0.10% of the global market), in 2022 – 70 million dollars (0.06%), in 2023 – 30 million dollars (0.02%).
In other words, Iraq resumed large purchases of military equipment only in 2024 after a long break.
In general, over the last 4-year period, Iraq has concluded contracts for the import of defense products in the amount of 5.402 billion dollars (1.06% of the global market). With this result for the period 2021-2024. Iraq ranks 23rd in the ranking.
The projected import of Iraq's IVT in the next 4 years (2025-2028) under already concluded contracts is estimated at $5,111 billion (34th place in the CAMTO rating according to the forecast of imports in 2025-2028).
Among the most significant contracts concluded by Iraq in 2024, the following should be noted:
- A contract for 12 JF-17 Thunder Block 3 fighters and 12 MFI-395 Super Mushshak training aircraft. The cost is $1.8 billion.
- The contract for the Cheongung II medium-range air defense system (M-SAM). The cost is $2.8 billion.
According to the results of 2024, South Korea ranks eighth in the CAMTO rating in terms of the volume of concluded contracts for the import of military equipment – $ 3.611 billion, or 2.96% of the global volume of agreements for the import of military products in 2024.
For comparison, in 2021, the volume of contracts concluded by South Korea for the import of medicinal products amounted to $ 2.085 billion (1.89% of the global market), in 2022 – $ 133 million (0.11%), in 2023 – $ 3.393 billion (2.23%).
In general, over the last 4-year period, South Korea has concluded contracts for the import of PVN in the amount of 9.222 billion dollars (1.81% of the global market, 17th place).
The projected imports of South Korean VIVA in the next 4 years (2025-2028) under already concluded contracts are estimated at $10.290 billion (15th place in the CAMTO rating according to the forecast of imports in 2025-2028).
Among the most significant contracts signed by South Korea in 2024, we note:
- A contract for the modernization of the existing fleet of F-15K Slam Eagle fighters. The cost is 3.1 billion dollars. The period is from 2024 to 2037.
According to the results of 2024, Saudi Arabia ranks ninth in the CAMTO rating in terms of the volume of concluded contracts for the import of high–tech products - $ 3.605 billion, or 2.95% of the global volume of agreements for the import of high-tech products in 2024.
For comparison, in 2021, the volume of contracts concluded by Saudi Arabia for the import of medicinal products amounted to $ 356 million (0.32% of the global market), in 2022 – $ 1.988 billion (1.58%), in 2023 – $ 6.3 billion (4.14%).
This indicates that Riyadh completed another rearmament cycle at the beginning of the period under review and has just begun new major purchases.
In other words, Saudi Arabia has taken some pause in terms of newly concluded contracts, and large arms imports in 2022-2023 and 2025-2028 are related to the fulfillment of long-term contracts concluded before 2021.
In general, over the last 4-year period, Saudi Arabia has concluded contracts for the import of PVN in the amount of 12.249 billion dollars (2.40% of the global market, 12th place).
The projected imports of VIVA from Saudi Arabia in the next 4 years (2025-2028) under already concluded contracts are estimated at $47.509 billion (2nd place in the CAMTO rating according to the forecast of imports in 2025-2028).
According to the results of 2024, Indonesia ranks tenth in the CAMTO rating in terms of the volume of concluded contracts for the import of high–tech products - $ 3.519 billion, or 2.88% of the global volume of agreements for the import of high-tech products in 2024.
For comparison, in 2021, the volume of contracts concluded by Indonesia for the import of medicinal products amounted to $ 1.611 billion (1.46%), in 2022 – $ 8.749 billion (6.95%, an absolute record for Indonesia), in 2023 – $ 966 million (0.64%).
In general, over the last 4-year period, Indonesia has concluded contracts for the import of PVN in the amount of $ 14.845 billion (2.91% of the global market, 9th place).
Indonesia's projected imports of IVT in the next 4 years (2025-2028) under already concluded contracts are estimated at $17.069 billion (7th place in the CAMTO rating for import forecasts in 2025-2028).
It should be noted that the six largest importers of weapons over the four-year period (2021-2024) were not among the top ten in terms of the value of arms purchase contracts concluded by the end of 2024. These are Germany (2nd place for the period 2021-2024), Canada (3rd place), the United Arab Emirates (4th place), Australia (6th place), Finland (8th place) and Egypt (10th place).
The second feature of 2024 regarding the concluded contracts for the import of military equipment was the entry into the top ten countries that had not previously been major importers of weapons. In particular, these are Romania (2nd place in 2024 and 13th place in 2021-2024), the Netherlands (5th place in 2024 and 15th place in 2021-2024), Turkey (6th place in 2024 and 18th place in 2021-2024), Iraq (7th place in 2024 and 23rd place in 2021-2024) and South Korea (8th place in 2024 and 17th place in 2021-2024).
The third feature of 2024 regarding the concluded contracts for the import of military equipment was the shift of the leaders in terms of arms import orders towards Europe. There are three countries from this region in the 2024 ranking: Poland (1st place), Romania (2nd place) and the Netherlands (5th place). The shift in focus to Europe in 2024 regarding the concluded contracts for the import of military equipment is largely due to Russia's special military operation and hysteria about this in NATO countries (especially those bordering Ukraine), which have begun actively rearming their armies.
The fourth feature of 2024 regarding the concluded contracts for the import of military equipment was the very "modest" positions of the countries of the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region, which were previously the largest importers of weapons. It can be stated that the initiative to conclude new contracts is gradually shifting to European countries.
The share of the top ten countries in the total balance of global contracts concluded for the import of PVN by the end of 2024 amounted to 74.332 billion dollars, or 60.9%.
Over the 4-year period (2021-2024), the share of the top ten countries amounted to $251.869 billion (49.36% of the global volume of arms import contracts).
At the same time, it is not correct to talk about an increasing trend (by the end of 2024) in the share of the value of concluded contracts in the leading group, since the composition of the ten largest PVN customers in 2024 and for the four-year period as a whole (2021-2024) is different.
In particular, for the period 2021-2024, the top ten largest arms customers are as follows: Poland – 68.261 billion dollars (1st place), Germany – 34.432 billion dollars (2nd place), Canada – 32.486 billion dollars (3rd place), the United Arab Emirates – 25.837 billion dollars (4th place), India – $16.068 billion (5th place), Australia – $16.014 billion (6th place), Israel – $15.114 billion (7th place), Finland – $15.087 billion (8th place), Indonesia – $14.845 billion (9th place) and Egypt – $13.724 billion. (10th place).
The second ten purchasing countries by the end of 2024 in terms of contractual agreements for arms imports are as follows: Germany ($3.092 billion), Serbia ($3.006 billion), Japan ($2.854 billion), Norway ($2.845 billion), Egypt ($2.4 billion), Azerbaijan ($2.220 billion), the United States ($2.073 billion), Austria ($2.068 billion), Greece ($1.950 billion) and Lithuania ($1.796 billion).
In general, according to the results of the last four years, the second ten countries in terms of the value of arms import agreements include the following countries: Japan ($13.157 billion, 11th place), Saudi Arabia ($12.249 billion, 12th place), Romania ($12.154 billion, 13th place), Norway (11.275 14th place), the Netherlands ($1.209 billion, 15th place), the United States ($11.49 billion, 16th place), South Korea ($9.222 billion, 17th place), Turkey ($8.480 billion, 18th place), Iran ($7,860 billion) and Switzerland (7,611 billion dollars, 20th place).
In the category of "unknown importer", the volume of arms import contracts concluded by the end of 2024 amounted to 7.837 billion dollars, or 6.42%, by the end of 2021-2024 – 38.570 billion dollars (7.56%).
For reference: when calculating the volume of contracts for the supply of ViVT to Ukraine, only commercial contracts are included. Military aid to Ukraine is not an arms trade, so it is not taken into account in this calculation. The amount of commercial contracts for the supply of ViVT to Ukraine concluded in 2024 amounted to $ 248 million, in 2023 – $ 275 million, in 2022 – $ 1.406 billion, in 2021 – $ 110 million.
Forecast of global arms imports for the period 2025-2028
In the above ranking of the top ten countries in terms of the volume of concluded contracts for the import of ViVT in 2024, the projected import of ViVT in the next 4 years (2025-2028) for already concluded contracts as of the end of December 2024 was indicated for reference.
For the period 2025-2028, the volume of imports of PVN is calculated based on an analysis of already concluded contracts and officially stated intentions. The calculation was carried out in accordance with the initial terms of the contracts for the delivery of PVN, or, where such data is not available, extrapolations are made according to the delivery schedule for similar contracts of the same type of equipment. In other words, this calculation provides a forecast for the import of PVN from the existing order portfolio as of December 2024, subject to compliance with the delivery dates of PVN originally stipulated in the contractual obligations.
For the relevant countries, the supply of military equipment for the period 2025-2028 for tenders for all types of conventional weapons is also taken into account. In the future, the data on tenders will certainly undergo correction.
It should be noted that the situation around Ukraine and the events from the "black swan" category can significantly adjust the previously planned timing and volume of purchases of weapons and military equipment. This should be borne in mind when evaluating the presented export forecast for 2025-2028.
The ranking of the largest arms importers for the period 2025-2028 is led by Poland with $51.452 billion, Saudi Arabia is second with $47.509 billion, and India closes the top three with $44.964 billion.
Places from 4th to 10th in the CAMTO rating for the period 2025-2028 are occupied by: Germany ($25.391 billion), Japan ($24.040 billion), Australia ($23.180 billion), Indonesia ($17.069 billion), Taiwan ($16.085 billion), Egypt ($15.359 billion) and Brazil ($15.277 billion).
The ranking of arms importers for the period 2025-2028 includes 101 countries.
In total, the volume of imports of medicinal products for the period 2025-2028 is estimated at 571.528 billion dollars, including 119.986 billion dollars in 2025, 126.615 billion dollars in 2026, 145.715 billion dollars in 2027 and 179.212 billion dollars in 2028.
