Where the World’s Biggest Arms Exporters Send Their Weapons

Where the U.S., Russia, China, and Other Powers Send Weapons

Key Takeaways:

• The U.S. accounted for 42% of global major arms exports in 2021–2025, with Saudi Arabia its largest recipient.

• Ukraine received 94% of Poland’s arms exports, reflecting military support following Russia’s invasion.

• China sent 61% of its arms exports to Pakistan, while India received 48% of Russia’s exports.

The world’s biggest weapons exporters supply countries across the globe, but their largest recipients reveal some of the most important relationships in international security.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), international transfers of major weapons increased 9.2% between 2016–2020 and 2021–2025.

Who Receives Weapons From the Biggest Arms Exporters?

The following table ranks the world’s leading arms exporters and identifies their biggest recipients, using SIPRI’s 2021–2025 transfer-volume data.

The figures highlight how arms trade relationships reflect geopolitical alliances and regional security priorities. Some countries supply weapons to a broad network of partners, while others depend heavily on a handful of recipients.

RankArms ExporterShare of Global

Exports (%)Top Recipient2nd Recipient3rd Recipient

1 U.S.42.0 Saudi Arabia (12%) Ukraine (9.4%) Japan (8.9%)

2 France9.8 India (24%) Egypt (11%) Greece (10%)

3 Russia6.8 India (48%) China (13%) Belarus (13%)

4 Germany5.7 Ukraine (24%) Egypt (14%) Israel (10%)

5 China5.6 Pakistan (61%) Serbia (6.8%) Thailand (4.7%)

6 Italy5.1 Qatar (26%) Kuwait (17%) Indonesia (12%)

7 Israel4.4 India (29%) Germany (21%) U.S. (7.8%)

8 UK3.4 Qatar (31%) U.S. (14%) Ukraine (13%)

9 South Korea3.0 Poland (58%) Philippines (18%) UAE (9.5%)

10 Spain2.3 Saudi Arabia (28%) Türkiye (16%) Belgium (12%)

11 Türkiye1.8 Pakistan (16%) UAE (12%) Ukraine (8.4%)

12 Netherlands1.2 Ukraine (23%) U.S. (20%) Pakistan (16%)

13 Norway1.0 U.S. (33%) Ukraine (22%) Romania (16%)

14 Poland1.0 Ukraine (94%) Estonia (1.6%) Sweden (1.4%)

15 Sweden0.9 Brazil (24%) Ukraine (14%) Pakistan (12%)

16 Canada0.7 Ukraine (34%) Saudi Arabia (27%) U.S. (17%)

17 Czechia0.4 Ukraine (69%) Vietnam (14%) Hungary (9.0%)

18 South Africa0.4 UAE (39%) Singapore (19%) DRC (9.1%)

19 Denmark0.3 Ukraine (50%) Argentina (19%) Norway (7.7%)

20 Switzerland0.3 Spain (46%) Denmark (14%) Romania (12%)

21 Ukraine0.3 China (64%) India (23%) Qatar (5.8%)

22 Australia0.3 Ukraine (24%) Canada (23%) U.S. (21%)

23 Belgium0.3 Saudi Arabia (30%) Ukraine (23%) Canada (21%)

24 Brazil0.3 Portugal (45%) Hungary (26%) Nigeria (13%)

25 Iran0.3 Russia (73%) Venezuela (17%)Houthi rebels (9.1%)

The data reveals two distinct patterns. Major exporters such as the United States supply weapons to a wide range of countries, while others have more concentrated relationships, with a single recipient accounting for a majority of their exports.

These differences can reflect longstanding defense partnerships, regional security concerns, or the immediate demands of ongoing conflicts.

Why Does Saudi Arabia Buy So Many American Weapons?

Saudi Arabia was the world’s third-largest arms importer in 2021–2025, obtaining 77% of its imported major weapons from the United States.

The relationship spans decades of security cooperation. American-made aircraft, air-defense systems, and other advanced equipment play a central role in Saudi Arabia’s military capabilities, particularly as the country seeks to deter regional threats and protect critical infrastructure.

These purchases also sustain commercial relationships with American defense manufacturers, part of a broader global industry that includes some of the world’s largest arms companies.

Are Countries Buying Weapons or Receiving Military Aid?

Not every international weapons transfer represents a commercial purchase. Some weapons are provided as military assistance, particularly during active conflicts.

Ukraine was the world’s largest recipient of major arms in 2021–2025, following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Transfers from countries including the United States, Germany, and Poland reflect the scale of international military support.

Weapons can also serve different purposes. Some replenish equipment consumed in active conflicts, while others modernize militaries, strengthen deterrence, or build reserves against future threats.

This distinction matters when interpreting the rankings. SIPRI measures the volume of major weapons transferred, rather than their financial value or whether they were ultimately deployed.

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Source: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/where-the-worlds-biggest-arms-exporters-send-their-weapons/