Global arms imports surged to their highest level since the Cold War, with Ukraine emerging as the biggest buyer in 2021–25. India also featured among the world’s top arms importers — here’s where it stands.
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1 / 5Ukraine tops list of biggest arms buyers | The five largest arms importers in 2021–25 were Ukraine, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan. Together, they accounted for 35% of global arms imports during the period. (Image: AI)
2 / 5Asia’s arms imports decline, but India stays among top buyers | Arms imports by countries in Asia and Oceania fell 20% between 2016–20 and 2021–25. Despite the decline, India remained one of the world’s largest defence equipment buyers. (Image: AI)
3 / 5US dominates global arms exports | The United States was the world’s largest arms exporter in 2021–25, accounting for 42% of global arms exports. France, Russia, Germany and China followed in the rankings. (Image: AI)
4 / 5Global arms transfers reach highest level since Cold War | International transfers of major arms during 2021–25 rose 9.2% compared with 2016–20, reaching their highest level since the end of the Cold War. (Image: AI)
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