The five-yearly report on the global arms trade by the International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) reveals that many nations are preparing for a possible war. Although arms purchases declined by 5.1% over the past five years, many countries in Europe and East Asia have been buying significantly more weapons, reflecting a growing alert. In Ukraine, Sipri estimates an increase of 8,631%.
NATO states in Europe increased their arms imports by 65% compared to the previous five years, “in response to an increased perceived threat from Russia.” In addition, many countries are increasing their arms imports, while others are decreasing exports.
The US remains the world’s largest arms exporter, with a global market share that has increased from 33% to 40%. Although Russia has reduced its foreign sales over the past five years, it still ranks second on the list of the largest arms exporters.
The decline in Russia’s arms exports is a worrying symptom, as it may indicate that it is nurturing its own arsenal. China is also exporting fewer weapons, while its East Asian neighbors are increasing their imports. Although the total figures do not warn of the danger of war, the country-by-country data show a warning trend.