Ukraine’s arms imports have skyrocketed between 2020 and 2024, increasing nearly 100 times compared to the previous five-year period, making the country the world’s largest recipient of weapons. The surge, driven by Russia’s aggression and military aid from allies, has significantly reshaped global arms trade patterns, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
European nations saw a 155% rise in major weapons imports between 2015-2019 and 2020-2024, with Ukraine alone recording a 9,627% increase. At least 35 countries have supplied Ukraine with arms, with the United States, Germany, and Poland leading the contributions.
Hungary recorded the second-largest growth in arms imports after Ukraine, with a 1,454% rise. Meanwhile, Asia and Oceania accounted for a record 33% of global arms imports, with India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan ranking among the top recipients.
The shift in global arms trade has also impacted exports. The United States remained the dominant arms exporter, holding a 43% market share. France overtook Russia as the second-largest exporter, as Russian arms sales declined by 64% compared to the previous five-year period. Ukraine’s arms exports also fell by 72%, placing it 20th in the global ranking, while Poland recorded the highest growth in arms exports, with a 4,031% increase.
Ukraine’s domestic defense industry is also evolving. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently stated that around 33-34% of weapons used by the country’s forces are Ukrainian-made, while over 30% originate from Europe and about 40% from the U.S. The government is working on mechanisms for long-term defense contracts to ensure stable weapons production.
Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov noted that 19 Ukrainian companies are engaged in missile production, covering small drone-launched munitions as well as ballistic and cruise missiles. By 2025, Ukraine aims to fully meet its artillery needs with domestically manufactured weapons, further solidifying its defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict.
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