Global arms transfers rise, Europe leads in acquisitions

Global arms transfers increased by 9.2%, with Europe seeing the largest rise in acquisitions. The US remains the top producer, exporting significantly more weapons. Europe's arms purchases more than tripled in the last five years, driven by the conflict in Ukraine and perceived threats from Russia. Ukraine alone received a substantial portion of global arms shipments. Russia is the only major arms exporter to experience a decline in trade. Meanwhile, Asian and Oceanian countries reduced arms imports, with China significantly decreasing its purchases due to domestic production.