The United States and Russia Remain the Largest Arms Exporters in the World

The United States has strengthened its position as the world's leading exporter of weapons over the past five years, providing about a third of the world's arms supplies. This is reported by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), quoted by DPA.

According to SIPRI estimates, global arms deals have increased by 10% between 2013 and 2017. The United States in this period has made 34% of world sales by supplying weapons to at least 98 countries. Much of American exports include military and transport aircraft.
 
US exports in the period 2008-2012 equaled 30% of the world's total. Less than half of US exports go to the Middle East and one third to Asia. Saudi Arabia is the most important single customer of the US arms industry with nearly 20% of US sales.

Russia remains the world's second-largest weapon exporter, accounting for around 20% of global supplies to 47 countries. More than half of Russian exports were directed to India, China and Vietnam.

France is the third-place exporter, followed by Germany and China. Five countries - India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and China - receive just over a third of global arms supplies.

 
India is the world's largest weapon importer with 12% over the period under review. Major suppliers to the country are Russia, the US and Israel.