International Arms Transfers
The Permanent Members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council and Germany are the main exporters of conventional arms. The US is the leading country with 44% share. In the 2008-2012 period, Chinese export increased, China replaced the United Kingdom (UK) as fifth largest exporter.
Main exporters and importers 2008 – 2012
|
Exporter |
Global share (%) |
Importer |
Global share (%) |
| 1. USA |
30 |
1. India |
12 |
| 2. Russia |
26 |
2. China |
6 |
| 3. Germany |
7 |
3. Pakistan |
5 |
| 4. France |
6 |
4. South Korea |
5 |
| 5. China |
5 |
5. Singapore |
4 |
| 6. UK |
4 |
6. Algeria |
4 |
| 7. Spain |
3 |
7. Australia |
4 |
| 8. Italy |
2 |
8. USA |
4 |
| 9. Ukraine |
2 |
9. UAE |
3 |
| 10. Israel |
2 |
10. Saudi Arabia |
3 |
The 10 largest arms-producing companies, 2011
|
|
Company(country) |
Arms sales ($ m.) |
Profit ($ m.) |
| 1 | Lockheed Martin |
36 270 |
2 655 |
| 2 | Boeing |
31 830 |
4 018 |
| 3 | BAE Systems (UK) |
29 150 |
2 349 |
| 4 | General Dynamics |
23 760 |
2 526 |
| 5 | Raytheon |
22 470 |
1 896 |
| 6 | Northrop Grumman |
21 390 |
2 118 |
| 7 | EADS (trans-Europe) |
16 390 |
1 422 |
| 8 | Finmeccanica (Italy) |
14 560 |
–3 206 |
| 9 | L-3 Communications |
12 520 |
956 |
| 10 | United Technologies |
11 640 |
5 347 |
Each year, between $45 to $60 billion worth of conventional arms sales agreements are concluded, about 80% of those transfers is oriented to developing countries, especially in Asia and Africa.
Recipient regions of major arms imports, 2003–2007 and 2008 – 2012.
| Region |
Share 2003-2007 |
Share 2008-2012 |
| Asia and Oceania |
41% |
47% |
| Europe |
22% |
15% |
| Middle East |
22% |
17% |
| Americas |
10% |
11% |
| Africa |
5% |
9% |
Source: SIPRI (http://www.sipri.org/yearbook/2013/05)
Author: Tomáš Kolomazník
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