Top 10 Largest Arms Importing Countries (2020–2024): SIPRI Report

The latest report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has unveiled the top 10 largest arms-importing countries from 2020 to 2024. A key highlight of this report is the emergence of Ukraine as the world’s largest arms importer, surpassing all other nations due to its ongoing war with Russia. Additionally, India continues to be a dominant player, ranking as the second-largest arms importer globally.

This period has witnessed a significant increase in arms imports across European nations, a trend largely influenced by geopolitical conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war. The global arms trade continues to be dominated by a few major suppliers, with the United States leading in arms exports.

Global Surge in Arms Imports

According to SIPRI, European countries have significantly increased their arms imports, with a staggering 155% rise between 2020-2024 compared to the previous period (2015-2019). This surge is primarily driven by the Russia-Ukraine war, prompting nations to bolster their defense capabilities.

Prior to 2022, Ukraine imported very few major arms, but the war with Russia, which began in February 2022, led to a massive spike in arms imports in 2023 and 2024. At least 35 countries have supplied major arms to Ukraine as part of military aid, solidifying its position as the world’s top arms importer.

The World’s Largest Arms Importers (2020-2024)

The report identifies the top five largest arms importers, which together account for 35% of global arms imports among 162 nations classified by SIPRI.

Top 10 Arms Importing Countries (2020-2024)

Key Observations

• Ukraine emerged as the largest arms importer due to the Russia-Ukraine war.
• India, despite being the second-largest importer, has witnessed a decline in arms imports.
• European countries saw a 155% increase in arms imports, driven by security concerns.
• The United States remains the dominant supplier, with Russia, France, and China playing significant roles in global arms trade.

India: The Second-Largest Arms Importer

India’s Share in Global Arms Imports

India accounted for 8.3% of total global arms imports between 2020 and 2024, making it the second-largest importer after Ukraine. However, this marks a 9.3% decline compared to the 2015-2019 period. This decline is attributed to India’s efforts to reduce dependency on foreign weapons by focusing on domestic defense manufacturing.

Key Suppliers to India

India’s top three arms suppliers during this period were:

1. Russia – Constituting 36% of India’s total arms imports.
2. France – Increasingly becoming a key defense supplier.
3. Israel – Strengthening defense ties with India.

Additionally, India has been diversifying its sources by engaging with Western nations like the USA to ensure strategic independence and reduce reliance on a single country.

India’s Shift Towards Self-Reliance in Defense

The decline in India’s arms imports is not due to a reduction in defense needs but rather a reflection of its growing indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities. The Indian government has introduced initiatives such as:

• ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiatives.
• Defense Procurement Policy (DPP) reforms to encourage local production.
• Increased investment in domestic defense technology to reduce dependence on imports.

These efforts have led to India manufacturing its own fighter jets, missiles, and naval warships, decreasing reliance on foreign suppliers.

Global Trends in Arms Imports

Geopolitical Factors Influencing Arms Trade

Several key geopolitical factors have shaped the global arms trade from 2020 to 2024:

• Russia-Ukraine War (2022-Present): The conflict has driven Ukraine’s demand for weapons, with Western nations supplying arms in large numbers.
• China’s Growing Influence in Asia: Countries like India, Japan, and Australia are strengthening their military capabilities to counterbalance China’s military expansion.
• Middle East Conflicts: Nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait remain key importers due to regional security concerns.
• European Military Buildup: Rising tensions with Russia have led to increased defense spending in Europe.

Summary of SIPRI Report on Global Arms Imports (2020-2024)