For the second consecutive year, Ukraine remains the largest importer of weapons in the world. According to the Stockholm International Institute for Peace Problems (SIPRI), our country has received the most military assistance in the last five years, which has been a direct consequence of a full -scale invasion of Russia.
For the period 2020-2024, the share of Ukraine in the world import of weapons was 8.8%. Main arms suppliers:
- USA - 45% of total imports;
- Germany - 12%;
- Poland - 11%.
In 2024, Ukraine received 18% of the general world weapons import, which is a record indicator. For comparison, in 2023 this figure was 14%, and in 2022 - 8.7%.
The increase in military procurement is observed throughout Europe. NATO members increased weapons imports by 105% compared to 2015-2019. The main supplier is the United States for which Europe has become the main market (35% of exports), ahead of the Middle East (33%).
The top five weapons importers in the last five years, except Ukraine, have included:
- India,
- Qatar,
- Saudi Arabia,
- Pakistan.
The United States also strengthened the world's largest weapon exporter, increasing the market share from 35% to 43%. American weapons were supplied in 107 countries.
The second largest exporter was France, which almost three times increased the sale of weapons to European countries. India remains the main buyer of French weapons.
Instead, Russia continues to lose its position: its export of weapons in recent years has fallen by 64% due to sanctions, international pressure and war against Ukraine.
By 2022, Ukraine was part of the top 20 world exporters. However, after a full -scale invasion, the country significantly reduced sales due to internal needs and a legislative ban on weapons export. As a result, Ukraine has dropped to 20th place in the exporters' ranking-the fall is 72% in the last five years.
Prior to the war, the main buyer of Ukrainian weapons was China, which accounted for 67% of total exports.
Despite the fact that Ukraine remains the largest importer of weapons, the situation may change depending on international support. The US decisions to suspend military assistance and potential changes in European policy can affect further deliveries. At the same time, Ukraine develops its own production of weapons, which can affect the situation in the coming years.
