Skyrocketing Arms: Europe's Growing Dependency and Ukraine's Rise

European arms imports surged 155% from 2020-24, with Ukraine becoming the world's largest importer after Russia's 2022 invasion. U.S. companies led global arms exports, comprising 43% of the market. Europe's reliance on U.S. arms has sparked debates over security strategies, as the war in Ukraine underscores geopolitical tensions.

European arms imports surged dramatically by 155% between 2020 and 2024, establishing Ukraine as the top importer globally, according to a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report was unveiled as geopolitical tensions continue to escalate following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

SIPRI data highlighted the United States' dominance in the global arms market, expanding its share to 43% in 2020-24, up from 35% in the previous five-year period. Notably, U.S. arms exports matched the combined exports of the next eight largest exporters. Europe, substantially fueling this market, accounted for 28% of global arms imports during the same span, up significantly from 11% in 2015-19.

The conflict in Ukraine has accentuated Europe's dependency on U.S. defense resources, a key element of trans-Atlantic security since WWII, now increasingly scrutinized. Despite efforts to bolster domestic arms production, the U.S. remains a critical supplier, providing over half of Europe's 2020-24 imports. SIPRI notes this long-standing alliance's significance amid shifting geopolitics.

(With inputs from agencies.)