US arms exports to Europe triple due to war in Ukraine
According to an analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), US arms exports to Europe increased by 233% between 2020 and 2024 compared to the previous five years. This was a result of assistance to Ukraine and increased purchases by European countries after Russia's invasion.
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Russia's aggression has changed the international arms market, and the United States has strengthened its position as the world's largest arms exporter as European countries have increased orders to rebuild their shattered armed forces.
According to the report, European NATO members more than doubled their arms imports between 2015-2019 and 2020-2024, with the US accounting for 64% of these imports, up from 52% in the previous five pre-war years. The other two main suppliers for European NATO members were France and South Korea, each accounting for 6.5% of imports.
In total, Europe accounted for 35% of US arms exports, even more than the Middle East (with Saudi Arabia remaining the largest recipient of US arms).
"The US is in a unique position when it comes to arms exports. The US continues to be a supplier of advanced long-range strike capabilities, such as combat aircraft. According to SIPRI, by the end of 2024, European NATO countries had 472 combat aircraft on order from the United States," said Matthew George, Programme Director of the SIPRI Arms Trade Programme.
Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Norway were among the top ten recipients of US arms in the five years to 2024. According to SIPRI, Ukraine accounted for 26% of US exports to Europe, and 71% of these transfers were used weapons taken from warehouses for rapid delivery.
Source: Defence News
