A new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows that Germany has moved up another step in the global arms market, surpassing China and now ranking fourth in the world for military exports.
According to the institute’s data, between 2021 and 2025 Germany accounted for around 5.7% of global arms exports, slightly higher than China’s share of 5.6%. Meanwhile, the United States continues to dominate the market with about 42% of total exports. France ranks second with 9.8%, followed by Russia with 6.8%.
Analysts link Germany’s growing role to the increased demand for defense equipment in Europe, especially after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The conflict has pushed many European countries to increase defense investments and strengthen their military capabilities.
The report also highlights that Ukraine has become the largest arms importer globally during this period, accounting for about 9.7% of worldwide imports. This development is directly linked to the country’s military needs in the war with Russia.
According to SIPRI, most German weapons have been purchased by Ukraine, Egypt and Israel. These contracts have increased Germany’s arms exports by around 15% compared with the 2016–2020 period. About one quarter of Germany’s arms exports were sent to Ukraine alone.
Germany’s military industry produces armored vehicles, artillery ammunition and advanced air defense systems. Among the most well-known equipment are the Leopard 2 tank, the KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle, the Boxer armored personnel carrier and the IRIS-T SLM air defense system, widely used by European armed forces.
