斯德哥尔摩国际和平研究所-Trends-in-international-arms-transfers-2018_12页_699kb

Summary of Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2018

Core Content

The report outlines global and regional trends in international arms transfers from 1950 to 2018, with a focus on the period 2014–2018. It highlights the top arms exporters and importers, regional distribution, and notable changes in arms trade dynamics.

Main Points

Global Trends

• The volume of international transfers of major arms increased by 7.8% from 2009–2013 to 2014–2018.
• From 2004–2008 to 2014–2018, the volume increased by 23%.
• The SIPRI Arms Transfers Database (as of March 2019) includes updated data for the period 1950–2018.

Top Arms Exporters (2014–2018)

• The five largest exporters were the United States (36%), Russia (21%), France (6.8%), Germany (6.4%), and China (5.2%).
• These five accounted for 75% of global arms exports.
• US arms exports grew by 29% compared to 2009–2013, while Russian exports decreased by 17%.
• French, German, and Chinese exports increased by 43%, 13%, and 2.7%, respectively.

Top Arms Importers (2014–2018)

• The five largest importers were Saudi Arabia (12%), India (9.5%), Egypt (5.1%), Australia (4.6%), and Algeria (4.4%).
• Together, they received 35% of all arms imports.
• Asia and Oceania was the largest recipient region, accounting for 40% of global arms imports, followed by the Middle East (35%), Europe (11%), Africa (7.8%), and the Americas (6.2%).

Regional Changes

• Middle East arms imports increased by 87% between 2009–2013 and 2014–2018.
• Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania, and Africa all saw decreases in arms imports.
• Asia and Oceania imports fell by 6.7%, Africa by 6.5%, Europe by 13%, and Americas by 36%.

Key Exporters and Their Clients

• United States: Main clients were Saudi Arabia (22%), Australia (7.7%), and UAE (6.7%). It exported 255 advanced combat aircraft in 2014–2018.
• Russia: Main clients were India (27%), China (14%), and Algeria (14%). It exported 400 cruise missiles and 124 ballistic missiles.
• France: Main clients were Egypt (28%), India (9.8%), and Saudi Arabia (7.4%). It exported 19% of its arms to the Middle East.
• Germany: Main clients were South Korea (19%), Greece (10%), and Israel (8.3%). Submarines accounted for 52% of its exports.
• China: Main client was Pakistan (37%). It became the largest exporter of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) in the niche market.

Key Importers and Their Suppliers

• Saudi Arabia: Main suppliers were USA (68%), UK (16%), and France (4.3%). Its arms imports increased by 192%.
• India: Main supplier was Russia (58%), followed by Israel (15%) and USA (12%). Its arms imports decreased by 24%.
• Egypt: Main supplier was France (37%), followed by Russia (30%) and USA (19%). Its arms imports increased by 206%.
• Australia: Main supplier was USA (60%), followed by Spain (29%) and France (5%). Its arms imports increased by 37%.
• Algeria: Main supplier was Russia (66%), followed by China (13%) and Germany (10%). Its arms imports increased by 55%.

Notable Trends

• UAE was the 14th largest arms exporter, with a 103% increase in exports.
• South Korea and Turkey saw significant increases in exports (94% and 170%, respectively).
• Portugal had the highest increase in exports (457%), though it ranked 25th.
• US arms imports decreased by 47% between 2009–2013 and 2014–2018, despite being the largest exporter.
• China's arms exports grew modestly (2.7%) in the period, while its exports to the Middle East increased significantly.

Regional Analysis

• Middle East: 52% of US arms exports went to this region, and Russian exports to the Middle East increased by 19%.
• Africa: Algeria accounted for 56% of African arms imports, and Russia was the largest supplier to the region (49%).
• Americas: US arms imports to the region decreased by 4.8%, while Mexico accounted for 72% of Central America and the Caribbean's arms imports.
• Asia and Oceania: Russia accounted for 31% of arms exports to the region, while China and USA were also major suppliers.
• Sub-Saharan Africa: Nigeria was the largest importer, receiving 35% from Russia, 21% from China, and 15% from the USA.
• G5 Sahel Joint Force: These five states received 0.2% of global arms imports, including 26 military aircraft and 179 light armoured vehicles.

Conclusion

The period from 2014–2018 saw a steady increase in global arms transfers, driven primarily by the United States and Russia, with the Middle East being the main recipient. There were notable shifts in the arms trade, including increased exports from France, Germany, and South Korea, and decreases in Russian and US exports. Political considerations significantly influenced arms trade patterns, especially for countries like India, Pakistan, and Australia. The report underscores the importance of military procurement and supplier competition in shaping the global arms trade landscape.