Europes arms exports surge to new record in 2022

European Arms Imports Increase Amid Ukraine War, Report Finds

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released its annual Arms Transfers report, which reveals significant changes in European arms imports and exports over the past five years. According to the report, major arms imports by European states more than tripled between 2021-25 compared to the previous five-year period of 2016-20.

The majority of these imports came from the United States, accounting for 48% of total imports. Poland and the United Kingdom were identified as the largest importers of weapons in Europe. However, SIPRI notes that Ukraine’s needs accounted for a significant proportion of European arms imports, with Ukrainian arms imports over the last five years making up 43% of the overall increase.

In contrast, European arms exports saw a notable growth rate, increasing by 36% between 2021-25. This represents a faster growth rate than the United States and China, and accounted for 28% of total global arms exports. The EU’s combined arms exports nearly replaced its imports, which account for a third of the world’s total.

Russia’s share of arms exports collapsed by 64% in the past five years compared to the previous period, largely due to the need for domestic production. China has promoted its own defense industry and become independent in arms production, reducing its reliance on Russian-made components.

The report highlights that Europe’s dependence on US arms imports is driven by various factors, including a lack of domestic manufacturing capacity, a desire for superior technology, and a strengthened security partnership with the US. The EU is now insisting that Ukraine prioritize European-made weapons in its purchases, reflecting a shift in support from the US.

Source: Al Jazeera