US Arms Exports Surge, Fueling Global Conflicts and Shifting Alliances

A Ukrainian soldier stands next to the first F-16 Fighting Falcon sent to Ukraine. Ukrainian pilots are now flying these US-made jets.

The US was the largest arms exporter from 2020-2024, with 43% of global exports, a rise from 2015-2019. Despite calls for European defense autonomy, they remain tied to US weapons. While Asia-Pacific arms imports generally declined, Japan and the Philippines increased theirs. Experts say US allies are increasingly bearing the costs of US strategies.

Ukraine became the world's largest arms importer. NATO arms imports more than doubled. The US supplied a large share of European NATO states' arms.

Four of the top 10 arms importers were in Asia and Oceania. The report shows a shift in the global arms trade. The US maintained its lead in exports. Ukraine became the largest importer. Japan and the Philippines saw import increases. China's imports fell, while European imports grew.

Japan's arms imports rose significantly. The Philippines also increased imports. This expansion of military capabilities by Japan and the Philippines is seen as a source of instability in the Asia-Pacific.

The global arms trade is driven by war, like in Ukraine, and security concerns from US foreign policy. US allies, including Japan and the Philippines, are affected, increasing their security costs.

Arms dealers are the biggest winners in conflicts. The US benefits from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while Europe acts as a middleman. Ukraine bears the ultimate cost.

Ukraine's arms funding comes from frozen Russian assets, loans, and grants. After the war, Ukraine will have to account for these funds.

Europe's reliance on US arms suggests the US war economy will spread globally. This could lead to more conflict and a growing military-industrial economy. Countries should work together to curb US conflict-driven foreign policy.