Defense industry expands globally, Europe increases arms imports up by 155%: SIPRI

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s (SIPRI) report, Türkiye’s defense industry continues to grow while Europe’s arms imports, including fighter jets, anti-aircraft systems, tanks, and submarines, increased by about 155% during the 2020–2024 period compared to the 2015–2019 period.

Why it matters?

• Europe’s share of global arms imports increased from 11% in 2015–2019 to 28% in 2020–2024.
• NATO members in Europe increased their arms imports by 105% compared to the previous five years, with 64% of these imports coming from the United States.
• Ukraine, the largest arms importer in Europe, accounted for 8.8% of global arms imports. The country’s arms imports grew nearly 100 times during this period.
• Türkiye, with a 1.7% share in global arms exports, has become an important player in the international defense industry.

Details

• The Russia-Ukraine war significantly shifted the global arms market. The two main exporters to Ukraine were the United States, providing 45% of Ukraine’s imports, and Germany, supplying 12%.
• SIPRI expert Pieter Wezeman stated that European countries have taken steps to reduce their reliance on arms imports while strengthening their own defense industries.
• NATO countries in Europe have ordered about 500 fighter jets from the U.S. during this period.

Türkiye’s growth in the defense industry

Türkiye held a 1.7% share of global arms exports in 2020-2024, up from 0.8% in 2015-2019, with a 103% increase in arms exports.

• The largest arms importers of Türkiye include:
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE): 18%
  • Pakistan: 10%
  • Qatar: 9.9%

These figures demonstrate Türkiye’s growing production capacity and international market expansion in the defense sector.

Many arms suppliers, including emerging suppliers such as Türkiye, are using arms exports to boost their influence in… the world.

SIPRI Report Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2024, p.8

Türkiye’s arms imports decline

Türkiye’s share of global arms imports fell to 1.1% in 2020-2024, down from 1.7% in 2015-2019. Over the past five years, Türkiye’s arms imports decreased by 33%.

• Türkiye’s largest arms suppliers include:
  • Spain: 34%
  • Italy: 24%
  • Germany: 19%
• This trend reflects the impact of Türkiye’s defense industry investments and efforts to reduce external dependence.

Background

• The U.S. increased its arms exports by 21% during 2020-2024, maintaining its leadership position in global arms exports.
• Russia experienced a 64% decline in arms deliveries, with its global market share shrinking from 21% to 7.8%.
• France, with 7.8% of global arms exports, surpassed Russia, becoming the world’s second-largest arms exporter.

The U.S. supplied more than 50% of Europe’s arms imports during 2020-2024, with countries like the UK, the Netherlands, and Norway emerging as major buyers of U.S. arms.

For the first time in two decades, Europe accounted for 35% of U.S. arms exports, surpassing the Middle East, which fell to 33%.

Germany provided 33% of Israel’s arms imports, while the U.S. remained the largest supplier with a 66% share.

The rise in arms imports in Europe reflects significant shifts in the continent’s security policies. While the transatlantic arms trade deepens, Russia’s share in the global arms market is shrinking. Meanwhile, Türkiye is making significant strides in its defense industry, increasing exports and reducing imports.