10 Largest Arms Importers in the World According to SIPRI, There is the United States

Illustration (Freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - Global arms trade is an important indicator in reading the dynamics of international security. When geopolitical tensions increase, many countries choose to strengthen their military by buying weapons from abroad.

The latest report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows that the map of world arms imports has undergone a number of changes in the 2021-2025 period. Some countries increased their arms purchases, while other countries actually reduced imports because they began producing their own weapons.

So, which countries are the world's largest arms importers? Check out the discussion.

10 Largest Arms Importers in the World

According to SIPRI data, most of the global arms imports are still concentrated in the European, Asian, and Middle East regions. The following are the ten countries recorded as the world's largest arms importers based on the report.

Ukraine - 9.7 percent

Ukraine is the world's largest importer of weapons with about 9.7 percent of the total global imports. This surge occurred after the Russian invasion which triggered massive military assistance from Western countries. Various modern weapon systems, ranging from artillery to air defense systems, are flowing into Ukraine to support their defense efforts.

India - 8.2 percent

India occupies second place with 8.2 percent of world arms imports. The country remains one of the largest buyers of weapons due to the large need for military modernization. Russia is still the main supplier, although India has begun to increase cooperation with Western countries such as France and the United States.

Saudi Arabia - 6.8 percent

Saudi Arabia accounts for about 6.8 percent of the total global arms imports. The country has for years been the main buyer of weapons in the Middle East. Most of Saudi Arabia's weapons systems come from the United States, including fighter jets and air defense systems.

Qatar - 6.4 percent

Qatar is in fourth place with 6.4 percent of the world's arms imports. The small country in the Gulf region has carried out massive military modernization in recent years. The purchase of fighter jets and various defense systems is part of a strategy to strengthen national security.

Pakistan - 4.2 percent

Pakistan accounts for about 4.2 percent of global arms imports. In recent years, the country has increased its arms purchases to maintain a military balance in South Asia. China is the main supplier of Pakistan's weapons needs.

Japan - 3.9 percent

Japan occupies sixth place with 3.9 percent of the world's total arms imports. The increase in arms purchases is influenced by concerns about security dynamics in East Asia. The United States is the main supplier of various defense systems for Japan.

Poland - 3.6 percent

Poland accounts for about 3.6 percent of global arms imports. The East European country is aggressively improving its military capabilities after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In recent years, Poland has purchased many weapons systems from the United States and South Korea.

United States - 2.9 percent

Although known as the world's largest arms exporter, the United States is also a record importer. The country accounts for about 2.9 percent of the total global arms imports. Imports are usually related to certain military technologies or defense cooperation programs with allied countries.

Kuwait - 2.8 percent

Kuwait is in ninth place with 2.8 percent of the world's arms imports. This Gulf country continues to strengthen its defense system amid the security dynamics of the Middle East region. The United States and European countries are the main suppliers of various weapons systems for Kuwait.

Australia – 2.8 percent

Australia completes the top ten list with 2.8 percent of global arms imports. The country is focusing on strengthening its maritime and air defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States is Australia's main partner in procuring various modern military systems.

The data from SIPRI above shows that global arms imports are still concentrated mainly in a number of countries that face major security challenges. Armed conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, and the need for military modernization are the main factors driving increased arms purchases.

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