In a recent study conducted by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), it has been revealed that European countries have witnessed a significant surge in arms imports between 2014-2018 and 2019-2023. The increase amounts to a staggering 94%, almost doubling their purchases during this timeframe. The growth can be largely attributed to the extensive transfers of weapons to Ukraine, as the country continues to defend itself against the Russian invasion.

Among the European nations, France and Italy stand out with a noteworthy increase in their arms exports during the same period. Both countries have found willing buyers not only within Europe but also in Asia and the Middle East. Surprisingly, despite global conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Gaza, the overall international volume of arms transfers experienced a slight decline of 3.3% between 2014-2018 and 2019-2023.

The study highlights that Ukraine emerged as the largest arms importer in Europe, accounting for a substantial 23% of all European imports between 2019 and 2023. The United Kingdom and the Netherlands closely followed, representing 11% and 9%, respectively, of all European imports. A significant majority of 55% of arms imports to Europe during this period came from the United States, which witnessed a 35% increase in its exports to the European region since 2014-2018. Additionally, major arms imports originated from Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.

SIPRI Director Dan Smith noted that the United States plays a crucial role in Europe's arms procurement decisions due to factors such as maintaining trans-Atlantic relations. However, any changes in trans-Atlantic relations could potentially impact European states' arms procurement policies.

The United States and France continue to dominate global arms exports, with the former increasing its exports by 17% and the latter by an impressive 47% from 2014-2018 to 2019-2023. The United States alone maintains a significant share of 42% in total global arms exports, surpassing other major exporters. France's rise as an arms exporter can mostly be attributed to the delivery of combat aircraft to countries like India, Qatar, and Egypt.

Notably, France has surpassed Russia as the world's second-largest arms exporter. While France's arms exports grew, Russia experienced a remarkable decline of 53% during the studied period. France's arms exports primarily found their way to Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East, with 42% and 34% respectively. India emerged as the largest recipient of French arms exports, acquiring nearly 30% of the total exports. However, Russia remains India's primary arms supplier, accounting for 36% of its imports.

Several other countries, including Italy and South Korea, also experienced growth in their arms exports, while China, Germany, the UK, Spain, and Israel witnessed declines.

Turning focus towards arms exports from Europe, together with the United States, Western Europe accounted for a substantial 72% of all arms exports between 2019 and 2023. Furthermore, Europe as a whole contributed to roughly one third of global arms exports, with significant volumes extending beyond the region. Notably, five European countries featured amongst the top 10 largest arms exporters globally: France (2nd place), Germany (5th place), Italy (6th place), the UK (7th place), and Spain (8th place).

In the Middle East, which received around 30% of international arms transfers during the studied period, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt emerged as the top buyers. The majority of arms imports by Middle Eastern states came from the United States (52%), followed by France (12%), Italy (10%), and Germany (7.1%).

It is important to note that both the United States and Germany accounted for a significant portion of arms imports by Israel, a country currently engaged in a deadly conflict against Hamas in Gaza.

As Europe witnesses a surge in arms imports and France solidifies its position as a global arms exporter, the geopolitical landscape remains dynamic, with potential changes in trans-Atlantic relations and shifts in arms procurement policies on the horizon.