Europe’s Arms Industry Grows Despite Increased Imports, SIPRI Reports

Europe’s dependence on arms imports has increased due to the Ukraine war, but new research shows that the continent is also becoming a rising arms manufacturer and exporter. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported that European states tripled their arms imports during 2021-25 compared to the previous five years. The United States accounted for 48 percent of these imports, highlighting Europe’s struggle to become more self-sufficient in weapons production. Poland and the United Kingdom are the biggest importers of weapons in Europe. However, European arms exports have grown by 36 percent, outpacing the US and China. Russia, Europe’s main security threat, saw a 64 percent decrease in arms exports. The EU’s arms exports now make up 28 percent of the global market, surpassing Russia and China. The US remains a major supplier to Europe, but the EU is pushing for Ukraine to prioritize European weapons. This shift reflects a changing perception of the US as a security partner in Europe.

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