This surge is primarily driven by geopolitical tensions, modernisation initiatives, and regional security challenges.
Based on recent data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the following table outlines the top 10 countries with the highest arms imports:
Top 10 countries with the highest arms imports globally
Amid ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine’s arms imports have surged nearly 100-fold, making it the world’s largest arms importer in 2020–24. Western nations, including the United States and European allies, have supplied advanced missile systems, tanks, and air defence equipment to support its defence efforts.
India continues its extensive military modernisation, acquiring fighter jets, submarines, and missile defence systems from countries like Russia, France, the U.S., and Israel, primarily due to geopolitical concerns with neighbouring China and Pakistan
Qatar has significantly increased its arms imports, investing in fighter jets, missile defence systems, and naval assets from the United States, France, and Italy to enhance its regional influence and national defence
As one of the world’s largest military spenders, Saudi Arabia imports fighter jets, missile systems, and armoured vehicles from the U.S., the UK, and France, driven by ongoing regional conflicts and strategic interests
Due to its longstanding rivalry with India and internal security challenges, Pakistan imports advanced fighter jets, drones, and missile systems, primarily from China, as well as military equipment from Turkey and Russia.
In response to rising tensions in East Asia, Japan strengthens its self-defence capabilities by importing high-end fighter jets, missile defence systems, and naval vessels, primarily from the United States.
Aiming to bolster security in the Indo-Pacific region, Australia has acquired advanced submarines, fighter jets, and missile systems from the United States and European allies, reflecting concerns over regional stability.
Egypt emerges as a major arms importer due to its strategic location and regional security concerns, sourcing fighter jets, naval ships, and missile defence systems primarily from France, Russia, and the United States.
While being the world’s largest arms exporter, the U.S. imports certain military technologies, particularly advanced components and subsystems, from allies such as the United Kingdom, Israel, and Germany to meet specific high-tech defence needs
Strategically positioned in the Gulf, Kuwait increases its defence spending by importing fighter jets, missile defence systems, and armoured vehicles, primarily from the United States and European nations, to enhance military readiness amid regional tensions.
Strategically positioned in the Gulf, Kuwait increases its defence spending by importing fighter jets, missile defence systems, and armoured vehicles, primarily from the United States and European nations, to enhance military readiness amid regional tensions. citeturn0search2
This data underscores the persistent and evolving nature of global arms transfers, reflecting the complex interplay of regional conflicts, alliances, and national security strategies.
