Overview
- European arms imports increased by 94% from 2019 to 2023, driven by the conflict in Ukraine and the desire to lessen dependency on the US.
- Ukraine has become the world's fourth largest arms importer, with Europe's arms imports primarily coming from the US.
- France surpasses Russia to become the world's second largest arms exporter, with a significant increase in exports to India, Qatar, and Egypt.
- Global arms exports see the US extending its lead, while Russian exports plummet by 53% amid sanctions and declining demand from traditional buyers like China and India.
- Efforts to strengthen the European defense industry are underway, with aims to make 50% of military acquisitions within the EU by 2030.