According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), 162 countries imported or purchased weapons from other countries during the 2020-2024 period.
The largest importers of weapons were Ukraine, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Japan, Australia, Egypt, the United States, and Kuwait.
Collectively, these countries received 52% of the total global arms import flow over the past five years.
Here is a breakdown of the 10 largest arms-importing countries during 2020-2024, along with their main import sources:
1. Ukraine
Ukraine received 8.8% of global arms imports during 2020-2024. During this period, Ukraine received the most weapons from the United States (45% of its total imports), Germany (12%), and Poland (11%).
2. India
From 2020-2024, India received 8.3% of global arms imports. During this period, India received the most weapons from Russia (36% of its total imports), France (33%), and Israel (13%).
3. Qatar
In 2020-2024, Qatar received 6.8% of global arms imports. During this period, Qatar received the most weapons from the United States (48% of its total imports), Italy (20%), and the United Kingdom (15%).
4. Saudi Arabia
During 2020-2024, Saudi Arabia received 6.8% of global arms imports. During this period, Saudi Arabia received the most weapons from the United States (74% of its total imports), Spain (10%), and France (6.2%).
5. Pakistan
In 2020-2024, Pakistan received 4.6% of global arms imports. During this period, Pakistan received the most weapons from China (81% of its total imports), the Netherlands (5.5%), and Turkey (3.8%).
6. Japan
From 2020-2024, Japan received 3.9% of global arms imports. During this period, Japan received the most weapons from the United States (97% of its total imports), the United Kingdom (2%), and Germany (0.5%).
7. Australia
In 2020-2024, Australia received 3.5% of global arms imports. During this period, Australia received the most weapons from the United States (81% of its total imports), Spain (15%), and Norway (1.3%).
8. Egypt
During 2020-2024, Egypt received 3.3% of global arms imports. During this period, Egypt received the most weapons from Germany (32% of its total imports), Italy (27%), and France (19%).
9. United States (US)
In 2020-2024, the US received 3.1% of global arms imports. During this period, the US received the most weapons from the United Kingdom (18% of its total imports), France (15%), and Israel (13%).
10. Kuwait
From 2020-2024, Kuwait received 2.9% of global arms imports. During this period, Kuwait received the most weapons from the United States (63% of its total imports), Italy (29%), and France (7.1%).