Overview: SIPRI 2025 and the Expanding Global Arms Market
Global military spending has risen sharply in recent years, with SIPRI reporting a 37% increase in defense outlays from 2015 to 2025. Against this backdrop, the world’s arms trade has also grown, driven by security concerns, regional conflicts, and sustained demand from foreign buyers. The 2025 SIPRI assessment highlights the countries that account for the lion’s share of cross-border arms exports and explains why a handful of nations dominate this strategic market.
The Top Seven Arms Exporting Nations in 2025
According to SIPRI 2025 data, the United States leads the global arms export market, supplying roughly 43% of international arms sales to foreign buyers. Closely following are France with about 9.6%, Russia at 7.8%, China at 5.9%, Germany at 5.6%, Italy at 4.8%, and the United Kingdom at 3.6%. These seven nations together comprise the core of the world’s arms trade and shape procurement decisions across regions.
United States — the dominant supplier
The United States maintains a vast defense-industrial base and a long history of exporting sophisticated systems to a broad network of allies and partners. Its export framework supports large-volume sales, especially to NATO members and like-minded countries, reflecting strategic interoperability and common security objectives. The U.S. share in global arms exports underscores its influence in setting technology standards and supply reliability in defense markets.
France — a steady European powerhouse
France ranks as the second-largest arms exporter, driven by a diversified portfolio that includes aircraft, naval platforms, and land systems. French defense companies have a well-developed export strategy, strong government support, and enduring relationships with clients across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The French model emphasizes advanced systems and reputable after-sales support as key differentiators.
Russia — enduring exporter amid geopolitical constraints
Russia remains a significant supplier for several regions, leveraging its established production base and long-standing defense partnerships. Even as geopolitical tensions influence certain markets and sanction regimes, Russia’s capabilities in air defense, airpower, and specialized platforms continue to attract buyers seeking cost-effective options or diverse sourcing.
China — rising supplier
China’s arms industry has grown rapidly, expanding its reach beyond regional markets into other continents. Investments in propulsion, electronics, and networking technologies have increased the competitiveness of Chinese systems. As China diversifies its export footprint, it remains a focal point in debates over technology transfer, quality standards, and strategic balance.
Germany — precision manufacturing and export controls
Germany’s high-precision engineering, strict export controls, and strong industrial base help it maintain a steady position among the top exporters. German defense products span land, air, and maritime platforms, supported by rigorous compliance measures and a reputation for reliability in international procurement decisions.
Italy — diversified defense portfolio
Italy combines a diversified defense sector with a track record of supplying both major platforms and subsystems. Italian firms contribute to a range of systems and components, benefiting from regional partnerships and a reputation for technological capability in niche segments.
United Kingdom — longstanding and diversified supplier
The United Kingdom maintains a broad export portfolio rooted in mature defense industries and close international partnerships. UK arms exports reflect ongoing investments in advanced technologies, training, and support services that appeal to buyers seeking established, interoperable solutions.
What Drives the Global Arms Trade?
The persistent increase in defense spending, regional conflicts, and the pursuit of deterrence prompt many countries to upgrade and expand their arsenals. The countries that dominate arms exports typically benefit from robust industrial bases, strategic alliances, and access to cutting-edge technologies. trade patterns are influenced by geopolitical alignments, sanctions regimes, and the balance between national security aims and export controls designed to prevent misuse.
Implications for Security and Policy
As the top seven arms exporting nations continue to shape the global weapons market, policymakers face the task of balancing security needs with ethical considerations and nonproliferation goals. Transparent licensing, responsible end-use monitoring, and cooperation on export controls are essential to managing risk while sustaining legitimate defense partnerships and regional stability.
Conclusion
The SIPRI 2025 report confirms that seven nations dominate the global arms trade, with the United States leading by a wide margin. Understanding who the top exporters are, and why they lead, helps explain shifts in regional security dynamics and the ongoing debate over how best to regulate and monitor international arms transfers for a more stable world order.
