Published: 14:17, March 10, 2025 | Updated: 14:26, March 10, 2025
SIPRI: European arms imports soared in 2020-2024
By Xinhua
In this photo provided by Ukraine's 24th Mechanized Brigade press service, a serviceman of the 24th Mechanized Brigade improves his tactical skills at the training field in Donetsk region, Ukraine, Nov 29, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

STOCKHOLM - European arms imports saw a significant increase in 2020-2024, said a leading Swedish think tank in a report Monday.

Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reveals that European arms imports surged by 155 percent between 2020 and 2024 compared to the previous five-year period. During the same timeframe, Europe accounted for 28 percent of global arms imports, up from 11 percent.

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The United States maintained its dominance on the global stage, with US companies expanding their share of global arms exports to 43 percent from 35 percent.

Following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukraine has emerged as the world's largest arms importer. From 2020 to 2024, Ukraine accounted for 8.8 percent of global arms imports, with nearly half of those supplies coming from the United States.

READ MORE: SIPRI: Arms imports to Europe surge despite global decline

The United States also supplied over 50 percent of Europe's arms imports between 2020 and 2024, with Britain, the Netherlands and Norway ranking among the top buyers.