Europe’s Rising Arms Imports and Growing Defense Industry
Europe has become the world’s largest arms importer, driven by heightened security concerns following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While imports have surged, the continent is also experiencing growth in its own arms manufacturing and export capabilities, signaling a potential shift towards greater defense autonomy.
Tripled Arms Imports in Five Years
Arms imports by European states more than tripled during the period of 2021-2025 compared to 2016-2020, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) . This increase reflects a significant response to the perceived growing threat from Russia.
US Dominance in European Arms Supply
Nearly half (48 percent) of the weapons imported by Europe originated from the United States, highlighting a continued reliance on American defense industries. This dependence raises questions about Europe’s ambition to achieve greater strategic autonomy in weapons production and procurement .
Poland and the UK Lead Imports
Poland and the United Kingdom are the largest importers of arms within Europe, actively bolstering their military capabilities.
Ukraine’s Impact on European Import Figures
Ukraine’s substantial arms imports significantly contributed to the overall increase in European import figures. Approximately 43 percent of the increase in European arms imports over the last five years was directly attributable to arms delivered to Ukraine . However, this figure doesn’t fully capture the extent of support for Ukraine, as it doesn’t include arms imported on Ukraine’s behalf by other European nations.
European Arms Exports on the Rise
Despite being a major importer, Europe’s own arms export industry is expanding. The combined arms exports of the 27 EU member states increased by 36 percent over the same five-year period, exceeding the growth rates of both the United States (27 percent) and China (11 percent) .
EU Exports Approach Import Levels
European Union arms exports now account for 28 percent of total global arms exports, nearly matching the 33 percent share of global arms imports. This represents a fourfold increase compared to Russia’s export volume and a fivefold increase compared to China’s .
Russia’s Declining Arms Exports
Russia’s share of the global arms export market has dramatically declined, falling by 64 percent in the past five years. This decrease is attributed to both the country’s need to replenish its own stockpiles due to the war in Ukraine and a loss of confidence in the quality and reliability of Russian weaponry .
Shifting Alliances and Procurement Trends
European nations are increasingly seeking to strengthen security partnerships, particularly with the United States. Poland, for example, is largely equipping its armed forces with US-made weapons. However, the European Union is now prioritizing procurement from within the EU, particularly in its support packages for Ukraine, following a reduction in US aid under President Donald Trump.
Future Outlook
The trend towards increased defense spending and a more robust European defense industry is expected to continue. Investors are showing greater willingness to invest in the defense sector, and initiatives like the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program are facilitating intra-EU arms procurement. While the transatlantic relationship remains important, European nations are increasingly recognizing the need to reduce their dependence on the US and enhance their own defense capabilities in response to evolving geopolitical threats .