斯德哥尔摩国际和平研究所-Trends-in-international-arms-transfers-2017_12页_525kb

Summary of Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2017

Core Content Overview

The SIPRI Arms Transfers Database provides insights into global arms transfer trends from 1950 to 2017. The report highlights that the volume of international transfers of major weapons increased by 10 per cent between 2013-17 and 2008-12, continuing an upward trend since the early 2000s. The five largest arms exporters in 2013-17 were the United States, Russia, France, Germany, and China, collectively accounting for 74 per cent of global arms exports. The top five arms importers were India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and China, which together received 35 per cent of global arms imports.

Key Global Trends

• Global Volume Increase: Arms transfers increased by 10 per cent from 2008-12 to 2013-17, with the US leading the growth, up by 25 per cent.
• Regional Shifts:
  • Middle East and Asia and Oceania: Arms imports increased by 103 and 1.8 per cent, respectively.
  • Americas, Africa, and Europe: Arms imports decreased by 29 per cent, 22 per cent, and 22 per cent, respectively.
• Major Exporters:
  • The USA accounted for 34 per cent of global arms exports in 2013-17.
  • France and China saw increases of 27 and 38 per cent, respectively.
  • Russia and Germany experienced declines of 7.1 and 14 per cent.
• Major Importers:
  • India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, and China received 35 per cent of global arms imports.
  • Asia and Oceania accounted for 42 per cent of global imports, followed by the Middle East (32 per cent), Europe (11 per cent), Africa (7.2 per cent), and the Americas (7.1 per cent).

US Arms Exports

• The USA was the largest arms exporter, delivering to 98 countries in 2013-17.
• Saudi Arabia was the largest recipient, accounting for 18 per cent of US arms exports.
• US arms exports to Saudi Arabia increased by 448 per cent between 2008-12 and 2013-17.
• The USA increased its security cooperation with India, with arms exports to India rising by 557 per cent.
• Combat aircraft accounted for a significant portion of US exports, with 50 F-35s delivered during the period.

Russian Arms Exports

• Russian arms exports decreased by 7.1 per cent between 2008-12 and 2013-17.
• The majority of Russian arms exports went to Asia and Oceania (66 per cent), followed by Africa (13 per cent), the Middle East (11 per cent), Europe (6.2 per cent), and the Americas (4.2 per cent).
• Russia's main clients were India (35 per cent), China (12 per cent), and Vietnam (10 per cent).
• Arms exports to Venezuela dropped to zero by 2017 due to economic crisis.

European Arms Exports and Imports

• The five largest West European arms exporters (France, Germany, UK, Spain, Italy) accounted for 23 per cent of global arms transfers.
• UK arms exports increased by 37 per cent, mainly due to deliveries to Saudi Arabia and Oman.
• EU member states collectively accounted for 27 per cent of global arms exports in 2013-17.

Chinese Arms Exports

• China's arms exports increased by 38 per cent between 2008-12 and 2013-17.
• Asia and Oceania received 72 per cent of Chinese arms exports, with Pakistan as the main recipient (35 per cent).
• China's arms exports to Africa increased by 55 per cent, with Algeria receiving 78 per cent of these exports.

Other Arms Exporters

• Israel, South Korea, and Turkey saw significant increases in arms exports (55 per cent, 65 per cent, and 145 per cent, respectively).
• These countries exported to various regions, including the Middle East and Europe.

Arms Imports in Africa

• African arms imports decreased by 22 per cent, with Algeria as the largest importer (52 per cent of regional imports).
• China and Russia were major suppliers to Africa, with China's share increasing from 8.4 per cent to 17 per cent.
• Venezuela was the largest importer in South America for 2008-17, but imports fell to zero by 2017.

Arms Imports in Asia and Oceania

• Asia and Oceania accounted for 42 per cent of global arms imports in 2013-17.
• Russia (34 per cent), the USA (27 per cent), and China (9.7 per cent) were the main suppliers to the region.
• Japan and South Korea began receiving advanced weapons from the USA due to regional tensions.

Europe Arms Imports

• European arms imports decreased by 22 per cent, but rising tensions with Russia drove increased procurement.
• The majority of arms deliveries were planned for after 2017, not reflected in the 2013-17 data.
• The USA signed significant contracts for combat aircraft with Italy, Netherlands, Norway, and the UK, which are expected to increase in the coming years.

Arms Imports and Conflict

• Ukraine's arms imports remained small despite the ongoing conflict, with most deliveries planned for after 2017.
• Europe saw increased demand for long-range ground attack missiles.

Conclusion

The global arms transfer landscape in 2013-17 reflects a continuation of the upward trend since 2003, with the USA as the dominant arms exporter and key regional players like India, Saudi Arabia, and China as major importers. Regional dynamics, such as geopolitical tensions and strategic partnerships, significantly influenced the direction and volume of arms transfers.