The volume of the world arms market from 2012 to 2016 reached its maximum since the Cold War, follows from the report of the Stockholm International Institute SIPRI. Russia is the second exporting country after the USA with a market share of 23%

Worldwide arms transfers in 2012-2016 peaked compared to other five-year periods since the Cold War, according to a report by the Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). According to the Institute, the volume of transfers increased by 8.4% compared to 2007-2011. Despite the increase in volume in 2012-2016, the volume of arms transfers is 16.6% less than in the last five years of the Cold War - 1987-2011. 1991.

Experts called the Middle East the fastest growing market - in five years its share in arms imports increased by 86% and amounted to 29% of the world market.

Top three exports

According to SIPRI, the top five suppliers account for nearly three-quarters (74%) of the global arms market. The United States, Russia and China have been the top exporters for the last five years. The United States accounts for a third of the world's arms exports. Since 2012, Washington's share of the arms trade has grown by 21%. According to the director of the SIPRI armaments and military spending program, Aude Fleurant, the main share in the supply of American weapons is attack aircraft equipped with cruise missiles and precision-guided munitions, the latest generation air and missile defense systems.

Multirole fighter fifth generation F-22 Raptor (Photo: Wolfgang Rattay/Reuters)

The share of Russia in 2012-2016 was 23% of the total. Most of the deliveries (70%) fall on the "traditional" Russian partners - India, Vietnam, China and Algeria. Russia's share is gradually decreasing: in the last "five-year plan" it was 24.2%, and in 2002-2006 - 26.2% of all world arms supplies. At the same time, Russia's share in world arms imports increased from 0.1% in 2007-2011 to 0.5% in 2012-2016.

China, in turn, took the third place in the world ranking (6.2% of the world volume), pushing France and Germany, supplying 6 and 5.6% of weapons, respectively. According to the report, France's market share continues to decline due to the end of several major contracts signed over the past five years.

Importers-record holders

Asian countries are the leaders in imports, analysts of the institute point out: 43% of the world volume. The main importer is India: according to SIPRI, it buys 13% of all weapons in the world. As experts point out, India's share is much higher than that of regional competitors - Pakistan and China. The PRC, in turn, is gradually replacing imported weapons with its own, emphasizes Simon Weseman, senior researcher at the SIPRI armaments and military spending program.

The largest growth compared to the previous five-year period SIPRI recorded in the Middle East region. Saudi Arabia (+212%) and Qatar (+245%) remain the leaders of the region. According to the Institute's experts, the countries of the Middle East continue to buy weapons, despite the low prices for oil. At the same time, as SIPRI senior researcher Peter Weseman points out, countries are trying to improve the technical equipment of the armed forces. The opposite is evidenced by the data cited in the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) investigation. According to the data obtained by journalists, the countries of the region (Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey and Jordan) spent €1.2 billion on the purchase of obsolete weapons in Eastern Europe, primarily in Croatia and the Czech Republic. According to BIRN, the weapons were intended to support militants in Syria and Iraq.

Questions for assessment

According to the director of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies Ruslan Pukhov, the SIPRI methodology is not universal. “The Stockholm Institute does not consider, for example, non-combat systems - radar systems and so on,” the expert points out. Therefore, Pukhov believes, the results of SIPRI can only be perceived in conjunction with other data.

While SIPRI's open data methodology has its limitations, the Stockholm Institute is the most reliable source, says Anton Lavrov, an independent military analyst. “Not all transactions can be counted in this way – especially for African countries and non-democratic regimes,” the expert clarifies.

What is SIPRI and how it counts

The Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) maintains databases of arms transfers around the world. Information about the sale of weapons is included in the database only if the fact of delivery is reliable. SIPRI is funded by the Swedish government and receives grants from other sources.

Since 1969, the institute has been publishing the SIPRI Yearbook (in Russian, the publication is published jointly with the Institute of World Economy and international relations RAS). The publication provides an overview of the global arms market, the disarmament process and the international security situation based on data from open sources.

The Stockholm Institute also ranks the top 100 global arms manufacturers. To calculate the place of the manufacturer in the rating, conventional units are used - an indicator indicator expressed in US dollars and 1990 prices. Thus, according to the researchers, it is possible to derive comparable indicators for a long period.

According to the Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global sales of military products in 2012-2016 increased by 8.4% compared to the previous five-year period. Mankind continues to arm itself, and the sale of military equipment and equipment is still important integral part export and economic potential of a number of countries. Which only confirms that in the war they not only kill, but also sell and earn money. At the same time, the United States and Russia remain the main suppliers of weapons on the planet, in total occupying more than 58% of the entire world trade market.

SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) is an international peace and conflict research institute that focuses primarily on the coverage of arms control and disarmament processes. According to the experts of this institute, the United States controls about a third of the entire world arms market, while almost half of all their supplies go to the Middle East. Russia controls more than 23% of the world market. According to the SIPRI Institute, about 70% of Russian supplies go to 4 countries: India, China, Vietnam and Algeria.

At the same time, according to the results of 2012-2016, Beijing managed to increase the share of supplied weapons in the international market from 3.8% to 6.2%. At the same time, India remains the largest world arms importer on the planet, which increased purchases in this area by 43% over the specified period compared to 2007-2011. Saudi Arabia ranks second in arms imports. It is worth noting that India is the largest buyer of Russian weapons in the world, and Saudi Arabia is the largest buyer of American-made weapons.

In Africa, 46% of all imports of arms and military equipment come from Algeria (which is in the top 5 buyers of Russian weapons). Other major importers, according to Swedish researchers, are in areas of longstanding armed conflicts: Ethiopia, Sudan and Nigeria. The African market is quite important for China, which supplies weapons own production in 18 African countries, while Tanzania closes the top 5 countries that buy weapons in China.

In mid-April 2017, the site published material on the four largest arms exporters in the world (USA, Russia, France and China). The material is based on data from the Stockholm Peace Research Institute for 2011-2015. The article compares the world's largest arms exporters on the planet, as well as their largest buyers, and also presents graphic materials that reveal the direction of supplies. At the same time, the compilers of the maps did not take into account countries that acquired weapons worth less than $100 million during the specified period. The Swedish experts also noted that in 2011-2015, the total volume of arms sales was higher than in any other five-year period since the end of the Cold War in the early 90s of the XX century.

Currently, the United States is not only the leader in terms of military spending ($611 billion in 2016), but also the world's main arms exporter. American weapons sell best in the world, with states outperforming other countries by a substantial margin. In 2011-2015, the United States sold various weapons worth $46.4 billion, which is almost a third of the total international arms market (32.8%). Immediately after the United States is Russia, whose exports for the same period are estimated by SIPRI specialists at $35.4 billion (or 25.4% of world exports). The world's two largest arms exporters are individually higher than the combined exports of the countries ranked third and fourth: France with $8.1 billion in arms exports and China with $7.9 billion.

The largest buyers of American weapons

Arms supply flows make it possible to assess the geopolitical priorities of the largest exporting countries. So the geopolitical interests of the United States, apparently, lie in the Middle East. The top five buyers of US weapons and military equipment, in descending order, are: Saudi Arabia - $4.57 billion, UAE - $4.2 billion, Turkey - $3.1 billion, South Korea- $3.1 billion and Australia - $2.92 billion. Overall, the US has sold more than $100 million worth of arms to 42 countries, many of which are also in the Middle East.

The top 10 buyers of American weapons, in addition to the countries listed above, include: Taiwan ( Republic of China) - $2.83 billion, India - $2.76 billion, Singapore - $2.32 billion, Iraq - $2.1 billion and Egypt - $1.6 billion.

Bilateral relations that exist today between Russia and India are characterized by the largest indicators in the field of arms supplies in the whole world. In the five years from 2011 to 2015 inclusive, India acquired weapons Russian production worth $13.4 billion. In second place in terms of purchases of Russian weapons is China, which itself is one of the largest exporters weapons in the world. During this period, Beijing acquired arms worth $3.8 billion from Russia. Vietnam is in third place with a slight lag, with $3.7 billion, while Algeria and Venezuela are in fourth and fifth place, respectively, with $2.64 and $1.9 billion, respectively.

The top 10 buyers of Russian weapons, in addition to the countries listed above, included: Azerbaijan - $1.8 billion, Syria - $983 million, Iraq - $853 million, Myanmar - $619 million and Uganda - $616 million. In general, in 2011-2015, Russia sold arms worth more than $100 million to 24 countries around the world. Russia also supplied weapons to India's military-political rival, Pakistan, but these deliveries are an order of magnitude smaller, only $134 million (23rd in the ranking), even Afghanistan, which is Pakistan's geographical neighbor, purchased many times more Russian weapons - by $441 million dollars (14th place in the ranking).

While Russia is actively selling weapons to Algeria, its neighbor and competitor - France supplies weapons to Morocco, this North African country is the main buyer of French weapons in the world. The top five buyers of French arms and military equipment, in descending order, are: Morocco - $1.3 billion, China - $1 billion, Egypt - $759 million, UAE - $548 million and Saudi Arabia - $521 million. It can be noted that the interests of France, as well as the United States, gravitate towards the Middle East, where very large buyers of French weapons are concentrated.

The top 10 buyers of French weapons also included: Australia - $361 million, India - $337 million, the US - $327 million, Oman - $245 million and the UK - $207 million. In total, during the specified period from 2011 to 2015 inclusive, France sold weapons worth more than $100 million to 17 countries.

If Russia is the largest supplier of weapons to India, then China is arming neighboring countries: Pakistan, which is the largest buyer of Chinese-made military equipment, as well as Bangladesh and Myanmar. The top five buyers of Chinese weapons and military equipment, in descending order, are: Pakistan - $3 billion, Bangladesh - $1.4 billion, Myanmar - $971 million, Venezuela - $373 million, Tanzania - $323 million.

In general, in 2011-2015, China sold arms worth more than $100 million to 10 countries of the world, so that in addition to the countries listed above, the top 10 buyers of Chinese weapons included: Algeria - $314 million, Indonesia - $237 million, Cameroon - $198 million, Sudan - $134 million and Iran - $112 million.

Based on the data presented, it is obvious that in the near future the main rivalry in the international arms market for the third place in terms of deliveries will be between France and China. At the same time, the latter has every chance to reach a solid third place in the very near future. At the same time, the United States and Russia will absolutely retain their first and second places in the ranking with a significant lead over their pursuers.

According to experts, the export of Russian arms in 2017 will significantly exceed the figures for 2016. Viktor Kladov, director of international cooperation and regional policy of the Rostec state also the heads of the joint delegation of the state corporation and JSC Rosoboronexport at this exhibition. According to Kladov, Rosoboronexport's portfolio of orders currently stands at about $45 billion, which allows Russian defense industry enterprises to be loaded for three years of continuous operation, and the number of contracts in 2017 will exceed the number of contracts in 2016.

India will continue to be Russia's main buyer and partner. According to Viktor Kladov, in 2017 it is planned to sign a multibillion-dollar contract with India for the construction of four Project 11356 frigates according to the 2 + 2 formula (two frigates will be supplied by Russia, and two more will be built in India under license). “This contract depends on how quickly the negotiations that are underway are completed. In particular, a whole series of rather serious meetings with Indian partners has already taken place, if the negotiations go well, the contract will be signed already in 2017,” Kladov said. It is noted that at present the Indian side is busy choosing a suitable shipyard for the licensed production of part of the frigates. In addition, the director for international cooperation and regional policy of Rostec spoke about the planned contract for the production of 200 Ka-226T light multi-purpose helicopters in India. Also in 2017, it is planned to sign a major contract for the supply of 48 Mi-17V-5 multipurpose helicopters to India.

Over the past five years, Algeria has held the status of the main importer of Russian (and not only) weapons: 56% of the total African imports came from this country, while these purchases from most countries were insignificant.

The main importers of Russian weapons are also: Nigeria, Angola, Sudan, Cameroon and Senegal. In addition, the volume of deliveries to Egypt over the past five years amounted to 46%.

2017: Reduction of a share for 5 years from 26% to 22% on the basis of the open data on deliveries

Data from the Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicates that in 2013-2017, the arms market grew by 10% compared to 2008-2012. The top five arms exporters are Russia, France, Germany and China. These countries account for 74% of sales. India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and China turned out to be the largest arms importers. They buy 35% of the weapons sold.

The share of the United States in the arms market over the past five years increased by 4%, amounting to 34%. The main US customers are Saudi Arabia (18% of deliveries), the United Arab Emirates (7.4%) and Australia (6.7%). Russia's market share, on the contrary, decreased by 4%, from 26% to 22%. The key clients of the Russian Federation are India (35%), China (12%) and Vietnam (10%).

2016: Export more than $15 billion, a backlog of orders for $50 billion

In March 2017, Russian President Vladimir Putin summed up the results of arms exports for 2016, saying that Russia managed to deliver weapons and military equipment worth over $15 billion abroad. According to Kommersant, 2016 was devoted to the implementation of existing agreements with Algeria , Vietnam, China and India. In 2017, the Russian Federation expects to conclude new billion-dollar deals.

The results of arms exports for 2016 were summed up by Vladimir Putin at a meeting of the commission on military-technical cooperation (MTC). Recalling that Russia "confidently holds the second place in the world" in this indicator (second only to the United States), he said that in 2016 export deliveries exceeded $15 billion (against $14.5 billion in 2015). The President clarified that the total portfolio of orders remained at the level of $50 billion - this, according to him, was achieved due to new contracts signed in 2016 in the amount of about $9.5 billion.

"Russian military equipment is in steady demand and is supplied to 52 countries of the world," Mr. Putin summed up.

Of the contracts concluded in 2016, it is worth noting the agreements with China for the supply of AL-31F and D-30KP2 aircraft engines (worth over $1.2 billion). Chief Editor Andrey Frolov of the Arms Export magazine says that in 2016 there was not a single serious contract for the supply of combat aircraft, for naval equipment and for air defense systems:

"The amount of 9.5 billion had to be collected literally by the bottom of the barrel."

This is partly confirmed by Kommersant's sources in the field of military-technical cooperation. According to them, the main emphasis in 2016 was placed on the implementation of previously undertaken obligations. So, the execution of the Chinese contract for the supply of 24 Su-35 fighters began (four aircraft had already been delivered by March 2017), deliveries of Ka-32A11BC helicopters, as well as D-30KP2 and RD-93 aircraft engines, continued.

A contract for carrier-based MiG-29K/Kub fighters (29 units in total) was closed with India, but the modernization of these aircraft to the UPG level continued, and spare parts for T-72 tanks were also supplied.

A contract was closed with Vietnam for six project 06361 Varshavyanka diesel-electric submarines and the last of 12 Su-30MK2 fighters were delivered, while the execution of an agreement on the licensed construction of project 12148 boats for the Vietnamese Navy began.

A large volume of deliveries fell on Algeria: the country received 8 out of 14 ordered Su-30MKA fighters, Mi-28NE and Mi-26T2 helicopters, at least a hundred T-90CA tanks and Kornet anti-tank systems.

Iraq was transferred mainly helicopter equipment: Mi-35M and Mi-28NE. The last of the 48 ordered Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile and gun systems have arrived in Iraq.

Three divisions of anti-aircraft missile systems "Antey-2500" (S-300VM) went to Egypt.

Four divisions of S-300PMU-2 anti-aircraft missile systems were delivered to Iran.

In 2016, the CIS countries did not remain without weapons: for example, Belarus became the owner of four divisions of the S-300PS air defense system and one division of the Tor-M2K air defense system, BTR-82A armored personnel carriers, and Mi-17V-5 helicopters.

Deliveries of T-90S tanks to Azerbaijan, Su-30SM fighters, Mi-171Sh and Mi-35M helicopters continued to be delivered to Kazakhstan.

Armenia, we note, became the first foreign owner of the Iskander operational-tactical missile system, transferred to it from the reserves of the Ministry of Defense. Deliveries to the CIS were carried out both within the framework of the obligations of the Russian Federation under the CSTO, and under separate commercial agreements, Kommersant's sources specified: "Commercialization of relations with these countries will continue."

Kommersant's interlocutors admit that 2016 was devoted to marketing, which was based, among other things, on the results of the use of military aviation and air defense systems in the Russian military operation in Syria. Thus, a serious backlog for 2017 was created, according to Kommersant's sources: substantive negotiations are underway on the purchase of Su-32 bombers by Algeria (the export version of the Su-34), Indonesia's interest in Su-35 fighters has increased, and the anti-aircraft missile system S-400 "Triumph" to India and Turkey (an intergovernmental agreement has already been concluded with Delhi).

Great hopes are also connected with naval equipment: Jakarta wants to acquire a pair of diesel-electric submarines of project 636 Varshavyanka, and Delhi wants to lease a second nuclear submarine from the Russian Federation.

"If we conclude all the pending contracts with India, we will ensure half of the annual volume of supplies," says Mr. Frolov. "There are chances to reach the level of $16-17 billion in contracts and $14-15 billion in supplies."

2014: $15 billion

In 2014, Russia supplied military products abroad for more than $15 billion, new contracts were signed for almost $14 billion. Such data was cited by Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting of the Commission for Military-Technical Cooperation with Foreign States.

“The results are good, we cannot slow down the momentum,” Putin said. "The export of high-tech military products, especially in a difficult geopolitical situation, is significant for Russia," he stressed.

At the same time, Putin called on Russian arms exporters to expand their presence in the "promising markets of Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa and the Caribbean."

Commenting on Putin's speech at a meeting of the Commission for Military-Technical Cooperation with Foreign States, the Kommersant newspaper notes that the amount of contracts concluded in 2014 is significantly lower than a year earlier: then, referring to the data of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, the President called the figure of 18 billion dollars.

At the same time, the publication points out, the total amount of signed contracts for the export of weapons would have been even more modest if Russia had not been able to sign a contract with China in September for the supply of four divisions. anti-aircraft missile system S-400 "Triumph" in the amount of about $ 1.9 billion.

"Russian weapons and military equipment are still among the most in demand in the world," Putin said and noted that Russia is a reliable, predictable partner in the global arms market.

2013: The second place in export in the world with a share of 27%

A report released by the Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in the spring of 2014 stated that Russia was the world's second largest arms exporter. According to SIPRI, Russia's share in the world arms market was 27%, American - 29%.

India is the world's largest arms importer, according to SIPRI estimates. The main supplier of weapons to India for the past five years has been Russia, which accounted for 75% of the supply.

2012: $14 billion

"In 2012, we are reaching a record level in export deliveries of military products," President Vladimir Putin stated with satisfaction at a meeting of the commission on military-technical cooperation. "Their volume exceeded $14 billion, i.e., the plan for the year was overfulfilled."

And the volume of newly concluded contracts, according to Putin, amounted to about $15 billion.

The largest reliably known contracts in 2012 were the contracts:

• for the supply of aircraft engines AL-31FN and D-30KP-2 to China in the amount of $1.2 billion,
• Mi-17 helicopters to China in the amount of $700 million,
• a package of contracts with Iraq worth more than $4 billion, lists Konstantin Makienko, an expert at the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, as well as
• contracts for the supply of various precision-guided munitions and Su-30MKI fighters to India worth more than $3 billion. The contract for 42 Su-30MKIs will be signed during Putin's visit to Delhi, scheduled for December 24, 2012.

In addition, in October 2012, a supergiant contract worth about $5 billion was signed with India for the licensed production of AL-31FP aircraft engines for Su-30MKI fighters, says a source close to Rosoboronexport, and confirms the manager of the aviation industry.

In 2011, the leadership of Rosoboronexport feared that the Arab unrest would affect the slowdown in export growth, the lost profit was estimated at $4 billion, but in 2012 a large contract was signed with Iraq. In addition, Russia has achieved great success in another direction - India, notes the source of Vedomosti, close to the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation. According to him, if in 2012 it was transferred "

The Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released new data on arms trade between countries between 2011 and 2015. Below are the top 10 countries that became major arms exporters during this period.

1. USA

The United States, with a 33% share of the arms market, remains the main arms exporter in 2011-2015, having increased its share during this period by 27%.

"As the tension grows and the regional conflicts, the US maintains its leading position as an exporter of arms, significantly outperforming competitors," says Aude Fleurant, director of the Military Expenditure Program at SIPRI (Arms and Military Expenditure Program).

“Over the past five years, the United States has sold or transferred weapons to at least 96 states, and military industry The United States has many export orders, including the supply of 611 F-35 military aircraft to nine countries," he notes.

2. Russia

Russia ranked second among arms exporting countries.

Compared to 2006-2010 deliveries of Russian military equipment increased by 28%.

However, SIPRI points out, in 2014 and 2015. exports were significantly lower than in 2011-2013 and were at the levels of the previous five-year period.

In 2011-2015 Moscow has supplied weapons to 50 countries, according to the Stockholm Institute for Peace Research.

India became the largest buyer of Russian weapons with 39% of the volume of weapons sold by Russia, China and Vietnam share the second and third places - 11% each, Vedomosti notes.

3. China

Chinese arms exports grew by 88% and ranked third in the market.

"China continues to build up its military capabilities both through weapons imports and through domestic production," said Simon Wezeman, senior fellow at the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Program.

At the same time, China also entered the top 5 leaders among arms importing countries. In this ranking, the country ranks third, behind only India and Saudi Arabia.

4. France

France, having shifted to fourth place, reduced the supply of weapons by 9.8%.

During 2015, France signed several major arms contracts, including the first two contracts for the supply of the Rafale military aircraft.

At the same time, European imports decreased by 41% between 2006-2010 and 2011-2015.

5. Germany

Germany dropped to fifth place with a market share of 4.7%.

For the period from 2011 to 2015. German arms exports halved.

In Europe as a whole, imports decreased by 41% between 2006 and 2010 and between 2011 and 2015.

6. UK

Great Britain took sixth place in the ranking, becoming one of the largest arms exporters to Europe. The main direction of British arms exports has become the Middle East - a region in which military operations are constantly taking place and, accordingly, there is a constant need for arms supplies.

7. Spain

The main recipients of Spanish weapons were also the countries of the Middle East - Oman, Bahrain, the UAE, as well as Australia.

8. Italy

Italy is one of the world and European leaders in arms exports.

At the same time, it should be noted that Europe is buying Russian weapons.

So, for the period from 2011 to 2015. Europe purchased 6.4% of all Russian weapons sold.

At the same time, according to SIPRI, deliveries to Europe grew by 264%, mainly due to the purchase of Russian weapons by Azerbaijan (according to the methodology of the Stockholm Peace Research Institute, it belongs to Europe): it accounted for 4.9% of all Russian exports weapons (in 2006-2011, Baku purchased only 0.7% of weapons sold by Russia), Vedomosti reports.

9. Ukraine

The main recipients of Ukrainian weapons are countries such as Nigeria, Thailand, Croatia, China and Algeria.

Among the weapons are T-72 tanks, armored personnel carriers BTR-4EN, BTR-3E1 and others.

As a result, Ukraine became the ninth largest arms supplier in the world.

10. Netherlands

The Netherlands closes the top ten with a market share of 2%.

The main buyers of weapons from the Netherlands are countries such as Egypt, India, Pakistan.

It is worth noting that for last years The Netherlands is losing its position in the arms market. If in 2008 the country was in the top 5 largest arms exporters in the world, now it has dropped to 10th place.

10. Netherlands
The Netherlands closes the top ten with a market share of 2%.

The main buyers of weapons from the Netherlands are countries such as Egypt, India, Pakistan.

It is worth noting that in recent years the Netherlands has been losing its position in the arms market. If in 2008 the country was in the top 5 largest arms exporters in the world, now it has dropped to 10th place.
9. Ukraine
Market share: 2.6%

The main recipients of Ukrainian weapons are countries such as Nigeria, Thailand, Croatia, China and Algeria.

Among the weapons battle tanks T-72, armored personnel carriers BTR-4EN, BTR-3E1 and others.

As a result, Ukraine became the ninth largest arms supplier in the world.

8. Italy
Market share: 2.7%

Italy is one of the world and European leaders in arms exports.
7. Spain
Market share: 3.5%

The main recipients of Spanish weapons were also the countries of the Middle East - Oman, Bahrain, the UAE, as well as Australia.
6. UK
Market share: 4.5%

Great Britain took sixth place in the ranking, becoming one of the largest arms exporters to Europe. The main direction of British arms exports has become the Middle East - a region in which military operations are constantly taking place and, accordingly, there is a constant need for arms supplies.
5. Germany
Market share: 4.7%

Germany dropped to fifth place with a market share of 4.7%.

For the period from 2011 to 2015. German arms exports halved.

In Europe as a whole, imports decreased by 41% between 2006 and 2010 and between 2011 and 2015.
4. France
Market share: 5.6%

France, having shifted to fourth place, reduced the supply of weapons by 9.8%.

During 2015, France signed several major arms contracts, including the first two contracts for the supply of the Rafale military aircraft.
3. China
Market share: 5.9%

Chinese arms exports grew by 88% and ranked third in the market.

"China continues to build up its military capabilities both through weapons imports and through domestic production," said Simon Wezeman, senior fellow at the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Program.

At the same time, China also entered the top 5 leaders among arms importing countries. In this ranking, the country ranks third, behind only India and Saudi Arabia.
2. Russia
Market share: 25%

Russia ranked second among arms exporting countries.

Compared to 2006-2010 deliveries of Russian military equipment increased by 28%.

However, SIPRI points out, in 2014 and 2015. exports were significantly lower than in 2011-2013 and were at the levels of the previous five-year period.

In 2011-2015 Moscow has supplied weapons to 50 countries, as well as insurgents in Ukraine, according to the Stockholm Peace Research Institute.

India became the largest buyer of Russian weapons with 39% of the volume of weapons sold by Russia, China and Vietnam share the second and third places - 11% each, Vedomosti notes.
1. USA
Market share: 33%

The United States, with a 33% share of the arms market, remains the main arms exporter in 2011-2015, having increased its share during this period by 27%.

"As tensions mount and regional conflicts escalate, the US maintains its leading position as an arms exporter, well ahead of competitors," says Aude Fleurant, director of the Military Expenditure Program at SIPRI (Arms and Military Expenditure Program).

"Over the past five years, the US has sold or transferred weapons to at least 96 nations, and the US military industry has numerous export orders, including the delivery of 611 F-35 military aircraft to nine nations," he said.