Largest Arms Importers 2021-2025

About This Dataset

The world's biggest importers of major conventional weapons over the 2021-2025 period, by percentage share of global arms imports, according to SIPRI. The list reflects both active conflicts and long-term rearmament programmes.

✨ AI Insight

Ukraine has become the world's single largest arms importer at 9.7% of the global total, a direct consequence of Western military aid supporting its defence against Russia's invasion. India follows at 8.2%, continuing decades of large-scale weapons purchases to modernise its forces. Wealthy Gulf states feature prominently: Saudi Arabia (6.8%) and Qatar (6.4%) rank third and fourth. Pakistan (4.2%), Japan (3.9%) and Poland (3.6%) reflect regional security concerns from South Asia to NATO's eastern flank. Even the United States (2.9%) - the top exporter - appears as a significant importer, alongside Kuwait (2.8%) and Australia (2.8%). The spread across conflict zones, Gulf monarchies and NATO members shows how varied the drivers of arms demand are.

Source: SIPRI Arms Transfers Database

Key Findings

Auto-computed highlights from this dataset

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Ukraine leads with 10 in All Time.

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Average value in All Time: 5 · median: 4.

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Gap in All Time: Ukraine is 3.5× larger than Australia.