Top 10 Largest Arms Importers in the World

In the last five years, India accounted for the largest share of global arms imports (11%), followed by Saudi Arabia (9.6%), Qatar (6.4%), Australia (4.7%), and China (4.7%), according to data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). It is a think tank that monitors imports of weapons over five years.

In this article, we will look into the list of the top 10 arms importer countries in the world along with the percentage of share of global arms imports and the major suppliers.

List of Top 10 Largest Arms Importers in the World

According to research by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India is the greatest importer of weaponry in the world, despite an 11% drop in arms acquisitions between 2013–17 and 2018–22. The report’s release coincides with India’s increased attempts to become a self-sufficient player in the defense manufacturing industry.

The US exported 40% of all military goods globally over the last five years, followed by Germany (4.2%), France (11%), China (5.2%), and Russia (16%). US weaponry exports rose 14% between 2013–17 and 2018–22, while Russian shipments fell 31% over the same period.

The following table lists the top 10 arms importer country in the world:

Country	% of Share of Global Arms Imports	Largest Supplier
India	11%	Russia
Saudi Arabia	9.6%	US
Qatar	6.4%	US
Australia	4.7%	US
China	4.6%	Russia
Egypt	4.5%	Russia
South Korea	3.8%	US
Pakistan	3.7%	China
Japan	3.5%	US
UAE	2.7%	US

Let’s learn about each of them in detail.

10. UAE

According to SIPRI, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is ranked 10th globally for arms imports, down from the top 10 in 2018–2022.

• From 2018–2022, the UAE’s arms imports were 38% lower than in 2013–2017.
• In 2018–2022, the UAE’s share of US arms exports was 4.4%, while Saudi Arabia was 19%, Qatar was 6.7%, and Kuwait was 4.8%.
• The country’s arms imports include several equipments, such as advanced aircraft, missiles, naval vessels, and sophisticated defense systems, sourced from various international suppliers.
• Despite its comparatively small population and territory, the UAE’s important geopolitical position in the Middle East has led to an important focus on military capabilities to maintain regional peace and security.

9. Japan

Japan is the ninth-largest arms importer in the world, with a 3.1% share of global arms imports in 2024.

• Japan sources the majority of its arms from the United States, which accounts for 33% of its imports.
• In 2022, Japan imported $1,291 million in arms, which is a decrease from 1973 to 2022. In 2018–2022, Japan accounted for 8.6% of the US’s total arms exports.
• In 2023, Japan’s weapons import ratio was 26.2%, which means that Japan has weapons import ratio of 30% or less.
• Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have around 80 types of licensed equipment, including lethal weapons. Around 30 of these are licensed from the US, and the rest are from seven other countries, including the UK and Germany.

8. Pakistan

According to a 2023 report from FAIR, Pakistan is the world’s eighth-largest arms importer.

• In 2018–2022, Pakistan’s arms imports increased by 14% and accounted for 3.7% of the world’s total arms imports. China is the main supplier of arms to Pakistan.
• Pakistan’s arms imports include several weaponry, including fighter jets, naval vessels, armored vehicles, and advanced missile systems, purchased from various international suppliers.
• The country’s strategic location in South Asia, bordering Afghanistan, Iran, India, and China, contributes to its security concerns, requiring the necessity for a well-armed military.
• Also, Pakistan’s participation in counterterrorism operations, especially in its sensitive northwest regions and along the Afghan border, emphasizes the importance of keeping strong military forces.

7. South Korea

South Korea was the seventh largest weapons supplier globally from 2018 to 2022.

• In 2018–2022, South Korea was one of the 10 largest importers of US arms, accounting for 6.5% of total US arms exports.
• South Korea’s defense industry is backed by the country’s President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is working to increase the amount of arms produced globally.
• The split nature of the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea presenting a chronic security threat, needs a strong defense capability for South Korea to prevent future aggression while ensuring national security.
• South Korea’s arms imports include various types of military equipment, including modern fighter jets, naval vessels, missile defense systems, and other advanced technologies purchased from a variety of international vendors.

6. Egypt

Egypt’s arms imports were $701 million in 2022. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) says that Egypt is the world’s sixth largest arms importer.

• Egypt’s main military weapon imports come from the Russia and Poland. In 2021, Egypt approved 313 arms exports licenses.
• Egypt’s military industry produces defense and security products, including small arms, armored vehicles, and naval vessels.
• The country’s considerable arms imports are determined by several causes, including its historical role as a regional power, participation in peacekeeping missions, and a desire to maintain a strong defense stance in the face of regional instability.
• The country’s defense purchasing strategy is impacted by geopolitical factors such as its peace treaty with Israel, counterterrorism efforts in the Sinai Peninsula, and fears about regional instability.

5. China

China is the fifth largest arms importer in the world in 2023. In 2018–2022, China, along with India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Australia, were the five largest arms importers, accounting for 36% of the global arms imports.

• In 2022, China’s defense exports reached a 10-year high, valued at $3.24 billion, up from $3.19 billion in 2021.
• The country’s arms imports include advanced equipment such as fighter jets, submarines, missile systems, and other complex military hardware.
• China’s defense expenditures are motivated by several issues, including ongoing military modernization efforts, territorial conflicts in the South China Sea, and a goal to establish itself as a regional and global military force.
• Despite its expanding domestic defense sector, China continues to rely on foreign vendors for essential technology and equipment to strengthen its capabilities.

4. Australia

Australia is the fourth largest arms importer in the world, accounting for 4.7% of total global arms imports.

• Australia’s rise as the world’s fourth largest arms importer shows its shifting security objectives and strategic orientation in the Asia-Pacific region.
• The government imports several military equipment, including modern fighter aircraft, naval boats, surveillance systems, and innovative defense technologies from several international sources.
• Australia’s defense purchases are motivated by a desire to modernize its armed forces, improve interoperability with allies like the United States, and meet rising security problems in the region.
• Also, Australia’s defense purchase decisions may be influenced by its involvement in coalition operations, peacekeeping missions, and attempts to combat terrorism.

3. Qatar

Qatar was the third largest importer of major arms between 2018 and 2022, accounting for 6% of the global market.

• According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Qatar’s arms imports increased by 311% between 2013-17 and 2018-22.
• The country’s arms imports include several military equipment, such as modern fighter jets, missile defense systems, armored vehicles, and navy vessels from several international vendors.
• Qatar’s defense purchases are motivated by the desire to modernize its armed forces, improve its preventative capabilities, and remain prepared to confront growing security threats in the Middle East area.
• Also, Qatar’s involvement in regional security efforts such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), hosting of US military sites, and participating in coalition activities may impact its defense procurement decisions.

2. Saudi Arabia

According to a SIPRI report, Saudi Arabia was the world’s second-largest arms importer from 2018–2022, accounting for 9.6% of all arms imports.

• The United States is the primary supplier of arms to Saudi Arabia, accounting for 78% of its imports.
• Saudi Arabia’s major arms imports are influenced by several variables, including its status as an important player in regional geopolitics, competition with Iran, and involvement in wars such as the Yemeni Civil War.
• The country’s arms imports include advanced military equipment including fighter jets, armored vehicles, missile defense systems, naval boats, and advanced armament from various international vendors.
• Saudi Arabia’s defense purchases are part of a larger military modernization initiative aimed at boosting defensive capabilities, and improving interoperability with allies.

1. India

According to a 2023 SIPRI report, India is the world’s largest arms importer. From 2018–2022, India’s share of global arms imports was 11%, the highest in the world.

• India’s tensions with China and Pakistan are the primary reasons for its demand for arms imports. Russia is India’s primary supplier of arms, accounting for 45% of its shipments.
• In 2023, India’s defense budget included about Rs 1 lakh crore for domestic purchases, compared to Rs 84,598 crore, Rs 70,221 crore, and Rs 51,000 crore in the three years prior.
• The country’s arms imports include several of military equipment, such as fighter jets, naval boats, artillery systems, missile defense systems, and other advanced weaponry purchased from several international vendors.
• India’s defense purchases are impacted by strategic alliances with important global powers such as the US, Russia, France, and Israel, as well as involvement in defense cooperation projects and multilateral forums.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the global arms trade is a significant aspect of geopolitics and international relations. The top 10 arms importers are located in all parts of the world, and their arms imports reflect their strategic interests and security concerns. The arms trade is a complex and dynamic area, and it is likely to continue to be a significant factor in global politics for many years to come. India has been the world’s largest arms importer since 1993, and its imports declined by 11 per cent between 2013-17 and 2018-22. The US share of global arms exports increased from 33% to 40% while Russia’s fell from 22% to 16%.

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FAQs on Top 10 Arms Importers in the World

Why does the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rank among the top 10 arms importers globally?

The UAE’s strategic location in the Middle East, combined with its commitment to regional peace and security, motivates major defense investments, resulting in large arms imports.

What factors contribute to Pakistan being one of the world’s largest arms importers?

Pakistan’s security concerns, including its historical rivalry with India and ongoing counterterrorism efforts, motivate its need for a strong defense capability, leading to major arms imports.

What makes South Korea’s position as a top arms importer globally?

South Korea’s geopolitical situation, marked by tensions with North Korea and the need for a strong defense posture, motivates substantial investments in military equipment, resulting in significant arms imports.

Why does Egypt feature prominently among the world’s top arms importers?

Egypt’s strategic importance in the Middle East, combined with its efforts to combat terrorism, secure its borders, and maintain regional influence, motivates substantial arms imports to strengthen its defense capabilities.

What motivates China to be one of the largest arms importers globally despite its status as a major arms exporter?

China’s ongoing military modernization efforts, combined with specific technological gaps and strategic considerations, prompt significant arms imports to supplement its indigenous defense capabilities.

Why has Australia emerged as one of the world’s top arms importers?

Australia’s strategic outlook in the Asia-Pacific region, evolving security challenges, and efforts to modernize its armed forces contribute to substantial arms imports to enhance its defense capabilities.