Europe has increased its arms imports by 210% between 2021 and 2025, making it the largest arms-importing region globally, largely due to the conflict in Ukraine.
From 2021 to 2025, Europe has seen a dramatic increase in arms imports, surging by 210% compared to the previous five years, which has positioned the region as the largest arms importer in the world for the first time since the 1960s. This influx is heavily attributed to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as it has transformed the country into the world's largest single arms importer. The report published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) also highlights the global context, noting a 9.2% increase in worldwide arms transfers during the same period, indicating a significant global uptick in military engagements.
