Germany Surpasses China as World’s Fourth-Largest Arms Exporter

Germany has risen to become the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter, surpassing China between 2021 and 2025, according to data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). This shift in the global arms trade reflects increased European demand, particularly for air defense systems, and a decline in Russian exports.

Global Arms Export Landscape

The five largest exporters of major conventional weapons between 2021 and 2025 were the United States, France, Russia, Germany, and China, collectively accounting for approximately 70 percent of all global arms exports [1].

• United States: Maintained its leading position, representing 42 percent of global arms exports, a 27 percent increase compared to the previous five-year period.
• France: Ranked second with a 9.8 percent market share, with key customers including India, Egypt, and Greece.
• Russia: Fell to third place with a roughly 6.8 percent market share, experiencing a significant decline of about 64 percent in arms exports compared to the previous five years [1].
• Germany: Secured fourth position with a global market share of approximately 5.7 percent [2], [3], [4].
• China: Ranked fifth with a market share of about 5.6 percent.

Germany’s Rise and Ukraine Support

Germany’s ascent is attributed to increased military assistance to Ukraine and growing European demand for German-made air defense systems and armored vehicles [4]. Approximately 24 percent of German arms exports during the 2021-2025 period were delivered to Ukraine [3]. Around 41% of Germany’s heavy weapons exports went to European countries, while 33% were delivered to the Middle East [3].

Shifting Dynamics and European Demand

The changing landscape also reflects a broader trend of European nations seeking alternatives to Russian arms, as well as increased defense spending following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 [1]. European arms imports have more than tripled in the last five years [4]. This has benefited European suppliers like Germany, France, and Italy.

China’s Focus on Domestic Modernization

SIPRI’s report also indicates a shift in China’s defense industry strategy, with a greater focus on modernizing its own armed forces and expanding domestic production of advanced weapons systems [1]. This has resulted in more industrial output being directed toward internal military employ rather than export markets, slowing the pace of overseas sales growth.

Key Takeaways

• Germany has overtaken China to become the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter.
• Increased European demand and support for Ukraine are driving Germany’s growth in arms exports.
• Russia’s arms exports have significantly declined.
• China is prioritizing domestic military modernization over export sales.
• The United States and France remain the top two arms exporters globally.