The global arms trade is a significant and controversial industry that has been in existence for centuries. The total volume of international arms transfer stayed about the same from 2015–2019 to 2020–2024. In 2021, it reached a minimum of $127 billion in value. Understanding global arms transfers is key to grasping international politics. Who sells weapons to whom often reveals alliances, conflicts, and shifting international power dynamics. In this article, we will explore the top ten largest arms exporters in the world in 2025.
Key fact
SIPRI’s March 2025 report has identified 64 countries as exporters of major arms in 2020-24. The top five—USA, France, Russia, China, and Germany—made up about 72% of all global arms exports. During this time, the USA and France increased their arms exports, while Russia, China, and Germany exported less. Altogether, the USA and Western European countries were responsible for 73% of all arms exports, up from 61% in the previous five years.
List of the 10 largest arms exporters in the world
The 10 largest arms exporters in the world are the United States, France, Russia, China, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Israel, Spain and South Korea.
United States of America, the largest arms exporter in the world
The United States of America is the world’s largest arms exporter, accounting for 43% of global arms sales during 2020-24 (SIPRI Arms Transfer Database, March 2025). The country’s share of arms exports increased by 21% from 2015-19 to 2020- 2024. It supplied major arms to 107 countries in 2020-24. In 2024 alone, the US’s sales of military equipment to foreign governments surged by 16%, reaching an all-time high of $238 billion. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon dominate the US defense industry.
The top 3 importers of US arms in 2020-24 were Saudia Arabia (12 %), Ukarine ( 9.3%), and Japan (8.8%).
France, the 2nd biggest arms exporter
France is the second-largest arms exporter, accounting for 9.6 % of global arms sales during 2020-24. It overtook Russia to gain the second spot. Companies like Dassault Aviation, Airbus, and Thales dominate the country’s defense industry. France’s arms exports increased by 11% from 2015-19 to 2020-24.
The top three importers of French arms are India (28%), Qatar (9.7%), and Greece (8.3%).
Russia, the 3rd largest arms exporter
Russia is the third-largest arms exporter, accounting for 7.8% of global arms sales during 2020-24 (SIPRI Arms Transfer Database, March 2025).
State-owned companies like Rosoboronexport, Almaz-Antey, and United Shipbuilding Corporation dominate the country’s defense industry. The top three importers of Russian arms are India (38%), China (17%), and Kazakhstan (11%).
Russia’s arms exports decreased by 64% from 2015-19 to 2020-24. The main reason behind this sharp fall is the ongoing war with Ukraine.
China
China is the fourth-biggest arms exporting country, accounting for 5.9% of global arms sales during 2020-24. State-owned companies like China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) and China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) dominate the country’s defense industry. China’s arms exports decreased by 5.4% from 2015-19 to 2020-24. The top three importers of Chinese arms are Pakistan (63%), Serbia (6.8%), and Thailand (4.6%).
China also ranks 10th in the list of the 10 largest arms importers in the world.
Germany
Germany is the fifth-largest arms exporter, accounting for 5.6 % of global arms sales during 2020-24. The country’s defense industry is dominated by companies like Rheinmetall, Airbus, and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. The top three importers of German arms are Ukraine (19%), Egypt (19%), and Israel (11%).
Germany’s arms exports decreased by 2.6 % from 2015-19 to 2020-24.
Italy
Italy is the sixth-largest arms exporter, accounting for 4.8 % of global arms sales during 2020-24. The country’s defense industry is dominated by companies like Leonardo, Fincantieri, and Oto Melara. Italy’s arms exports increased by 138% from 2015-19 to 2020-24.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is the seventh-largest arms exporting country, accounting for 3.6% of global arms sales during 2020-24 (SIPRI Arms Transfer Database, March 2025). The country’s defense industry is dominated by companies like BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and MBDA. The UK’s arms exports decreased by 1.4 % from 2015-19 to 2020-24.
Israel
Israel is the eighth-largest arms exporter, accounting for 3.1 % of global arms sales during 2020-24. Companies like Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Elbit Systems dominate the country’s defense industry. Israel’s arms exports decreased by 2% from 2015-19 to 2020-24.
Spain
Spain is the ninth-largest arms exporter, accounting for 3% of global arms sales during 2020-24. Companies like Navantia, Indra Sistemas, and Santa Barbara Sistemas dominate the country’s defense industry. Spain’s arms exports increased by 29% from 2015-19 to 2020-24.
South Korea, the 10th-largest arms exporter
South Korea is the 10th-largest arms exporter, accounting for 2.2 % of global arms sales during 2020-24. Companies like Korea Aerospace Industries, Hyundai Rotem, and Hanwha Defense dominate the country’s defense industry. South Korea’s arms exports increased by 4.9 % from 2015-19 to 2020-24.
Summary of 10 largest arms exporters in the world
The ten biggest arms exporters in 2024 are
1. United States (43%)
2. France (9.6%)
3. Russia (7.8%)
4. China (5.9%)
5. Germany (5.6%)
6. Italy (4.8%)
7. United Kingdom (3.6%)
8. Israel (3.1%)
9. Spain (3.0%)
10. South Korea (2.2%)
The arms trade is a massive industry. The largest arms exporters play a significant role in shaping global military and geopolitical trends. The United States remains the largest arms exporter in the world, with France and Russia following behind. China and Germany also continue to be major players in the arms export market. The top ten largest arms exporters account for a vast majority of the global arms trade. However, many other countries are involved in the industry, either as exporters or importers.
Sources
- SIPRI Fact Sheet, March 2025
- Transfer of Defense Articles: U.S. Sale and Export of U.S.-Made Arms to Foreign Entities, Congressional Research Service, March 23, 2023.
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