The global arms trade is a multi-billion-dollar industry, with a handful of countries supplying most of the world’s military equipment. From fighter jets and tanks to missiles and drones, these exports shape international conflicts, alliances, and defense strategies.
But who are the biggest players in this high-stakes market? Which countries profit the most from selling weapons? And how has the arms trade evolved in 2025?
How Is Military Equipment Export Measured?
1. SIPRI’s Arms Transfer Database
The most authoritative source, tracking actual deliveries (not just contracts) of major weapons.
2. Government Defense Export Reports
Countries like the U.S. and Russia publish official arms sales data.
3. Market Share by Value
Calculated in billions of dollars, reflecting the financial scale of exports.
The Top 10 Largest Military Exporters in 2025
1. United States (Market Share: 40%)
The U.S. remains the undisputed leader in arms exports, supplying advanced weapons worldwide.
- Top Exports: F-35 jets, Patriot missiles, M1 Abrams tanks.
- Biggest Buyers: Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia.
- 2025 Export Value: $50+ billion (Defense Security Cooperation Agency).
2. Russia (Market Share: 20%)
Despite sanctions, Russia remains a major arms supplier, especially to Asia and Africa.
- Top Exports: Su-35 fighters, S-400 missiles, T-90 tanks.
- Biggest Buyers: India, China, Egypt.
- 2025 Export Value: $25 billion (Rosoboronexport).
3. France (Market Share: 11%)
France has surged to third place, thanks to high-profile deals.
- Top Exports: Rafale jets, Scorpion armored vehicles, submarines.
- Biggest Buyers: UAE, India, Qatar.
- 2025 Export Value: $14 billion (French Ministry of Defense).
4. China (Market Share: 9%)
China’s arms exports are growing, focusing on affordable yet advanced systems.
- Top Exports: Wing Loong drones, Type 054 frigates, HQ-9 missiles.
- Biggest Buyers: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Algeria.
- 2025 Export Value: $11 billion (China’s State Administration).
5. Germany (Market Share: 6%)
A leader in military vehicles and submarines.
- Top Exports: Leopard 2 tanks, U-boats, G36 rifles.
- Biggest Buyers: Poland, Norway, Indonesia.
- 2025 Export Value: $7 billion (German Federal Office).
6. United Kingdom (Market Share: 5%)
The UK specializes in naval systems and aerospace tech.
- Top Exports: Typhoon jets, Type 26 frigates, Brimstone missiles.
- Biggest Buyers: Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Korea.
- 2025 Export Value: $6 billion (UK Defence Exports).
7. Italy (Market Share: 4%)
Known for helicopters and naval weapons.
- Top Exports: FREMM frigates, AW101 helicopters, Beretta rifles.
- Biggest Buyers: Egypt, Turkey, Kuwait.
- 2025 Export Value: $5 billion (Italian Defense Ministry).
8. Spain (Market Share: 3%)
A growing exporter of warships and aerospace components.
- Top Exports: S-80 submarines, AV-8B Harrier jets.
- Biggest Buyers: Australia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand.
- 2025 Export Value: $4 billion (Spanish Ministry of Defence).
9. Israel (Market Share: 2.5%)
A specialist in drones, missiles, and electronic warfare.
- Top Exports: Heron drones, Iron Dome, Spike missiles.
- Biggest Buyers: India, Azerbaijan, Philippines.
- 2025 Export Value: $3 billion (Israeli Defense Export Controls).
10. South Korea (Market Share: 2%)
Rapidly expanding with cost-effective, high-tech weapons.
- Top Exports: K2 tanks, FA-50 jets, K9 howitzers.
- Biggest Buyers: Poland, UAE, Indonesia.
- 2025 Export Value: $2.5 billion (Defense Acquisition Program Administration).
Key Trends in the 2025 Arms Market
1. The Rise of Drone Warfare
Drones now account for 15% of global arms exports, with the U.S., China, and Israel leading.
2. Eastern Europe’s Buying Spree
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Poland, Finland, and the Baltics have massively increased imports.
3. China’s Growing Influence
Beijing is undercutting Western prices, making inroads in Africa and the Middle East.
Controversies & Ethical Concerns
1. Selling to Conflict Zones
Many exporters face criticism for arming Israel, and regimes in Yemen, Syria, and Myanmar.
2. The Role of Private Arms Dealers
Companies like Lockheed Martin and Rosoboronexport profit from global instability.
3. Sanctions & Loopholes
Despite restrictions, Russia and Iran still receive Western components via third countries.
Future Outlook: Who Will Lead in 2030?
- The U.S. will likely remain #1, but China could overtake Russia.
- India and Turkey are emerging as new exporters.
- Hypersonic weapons and AI-driven systems will dominate future sales.
Conclusion
The global arms trade is dominated by a handful of powerful nations, with the U.S., Russia, and France leading in 2025. While profits are enormous, the ethical and geopolitical consequences are equally significant.
As new technologies and emerging exporters enter the market, the balance of military power continues to shift—with profound implications for global security.