International arms transfers

In: SIPRI yearbook: armaments, disarmament and international security

Abstract

The volume of international transfers of major conventional weapons grew by 24 per cent between 2002-2006 and 2007-11. The five largest suppliers in 2007-11 -- the USA, Russia, Germany, France and the UK -- accounted for three-quarters of the volume of exports. Outside the five largest arms suppliers, China and Spain recorded significant increases in the volume of deliveries during 2007-11. While China's exports are likely to continue to grow, Spain's order book for ships -- which account for the bulk of its exports -- indicates that it will not maintain its volume of exports. States in Asia and Oceania received nearly half of all imports of major conventional weapons in 2007-11. Moreover, the five largest recipients of major conventional weapons -- India, South Korea, Pakistan, China and Singapore -- were all located in the region. Major importers are taking advantage of the competitive arms market to seek attractive deals in terms of financing, offset arrangements and the transfer of technology. India, which received 10 per cent of all imports in 2007-11, is likely to remain the largest recipient of major conventional weapons in the coming years. Adapted from the source document.