European Countries Drive Demand for Arms Amid Rising Tensions with Russia

A report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) found that Europe accounted for 33% of global arms imports over the last five years, driven by Russia’s war in Ukraine and hybrid warfare activity. The US supplied 42% of international defense equipment, with European firms ramping up production but continuing to import US arms. France and Saudi Arabia were the top arms exporters, with India, Egypt, and Greece among the largest importers.