“European weapons imported by 155% in 2020-2024, and Ukraine became the world’s largest weapon importer after Russia’s invasion of 2022. It is reported by the Stockholm International Institute for Peace Problems Research (SIPRI). Ukraine was 8.8% of the world’s weapons import in 2020-2024, and just less than half of this imports occurred in the United States, which for Donald President”, – WRITE ON: ua.news
European weapons imported by 155% in 2020-2024, and Ukraine became the world’s largest weapon importer after Russia’s invasion of 2022.
It is reported by the Stockholm International Institute for Peace Problems Research (SIPRI).
Ukraine accounted for 8.8% of the world’s weapons imports in 2020-2024, and just less than half of this import came to the United States, which for President Donald Trump suspended military assistance to Kiev.
The SIPRi data showed that the United States continues to dominate the world stage: US companies have increased their share of world weapons exports to 43% in 2020-24 from 35% in 2015-2019. Exports of weapons from the United States have made about the same share of the world market as the next eight countries combined.
The war emphasized Europe’s dependence on US weapons, although the Transatlantic Alliance, the basis of Europe’s security strategy since World War II, is increasingly questioned.
According to SIPRI, 28% of the world’s weapons import in 2020-2024 came to Europe, while in the period 2015-2019 this figure was 11%. In 2020-2024, the United States put more than 50% of weapons imports to Europe, and the largest buyers were the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Norway.
In early March, European leaders supported plans to increase defense expenses after Trump changed US policy.
“Due to the growing aggressiveness of Russia and the exacerbation of transatlantic relations during the first presidency of Trump, European NATO countries have taken measures to reduce its dependence on weapons import and strengthen the European military industry,” said Peter Vezeman, Senior Sepri Supreme Supplier.
However, according to him, transatlantic relations in the field of weapons supply have deep roots. Imports from the United States have increased and NATO European countries are still ordering almost 500 combat aircraft and many other weapons in the US.
Exports of Russian weapons decreased to 7.8% of the world market in the period 2020-2024 compared to 21% in the previous four-year period due to international sanctions due to the war against Ukraine and an increase in domestic demand for weapons.
Imports of weapons to Asia and Oceania have decreased by 21%, mainly due to the increase in the production of China’s own weapons.
According to SIPRI, the volume of world supply volumes of weapons in the period 2020-2024 remained at about the same level as in the previous four years.
Recall that in the summer, as a result of four years, Ukraine ranked fourth in the import of weapons in the world. In 2019-2023, our country was the largest importer of weapons in Europe.
