Europe Emerges as Formidable Arms Producer Despite Rising Imports
Europe's arms imports have increased, primarily driven by Ukraine's needs, but the EU is simultaneously becoming a major global arms manufacturer and exporter, according to a new SIPRI report.
Despite a rise in arms imports, Europe is quickly establishing itself as a formidable global arms producer and exporter, according to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The increase in European imports has been largely driven by Ukraine's military needs amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, but the European Union (EU) is simultaneously surging in its own arms manufacturing and export capabilities.
The SIPRI report, which analyzed global arms transfer trends, found that Europe's arms imports grew by 47% between 2013-2017 and 2018-2022. However, this was primarily due to Ukraine's urgent need for military equipment and weapons to defend against the Russian invasion. Excluding Ukraine, Europe's arms imports increased by a more modest 9% during this period.
<{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}} alt=Source: Al Jazeera
