US Became Major Arms Supplier To NATO Europe, But Amid Trump’s Policy Shift, EU Ramps Up Domestic Defence Production

European NATO countries have more than doubled their arms imports over the past five years, with over 60 per cent of purchases coming from the United States, according to a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), reported The Hindu.

Between 2020 and 2024, Ukraine emerged as the world’s largest arms importer, highlighting the scale of military support funneled into the country since the Russian invasion. 

Meanwhile, the United States strengthened its dominance as the world’s leading arms exporter, accounting for 43 per cent of global arms sales, far outpacing France, which stood at 9.6 per cent.

Rearming Europe

Over the last five years, arms imports by NATO members in Europe surged by 105 per cent, reflecting the continent’s ongoing military build-up in response to security threats from Russia.

"With an increasingly belligerent Russia and transatlantic relations under stress during the first Trump presidency, European NATO states have taken steps to reduce their dependence on arms imports and to strengthen the European arms industry," said Pieter Wezeman, a senior researcher at SIPRI, quoted as said by The Hindu.

Despite efforts to upscale domestic defense capabilities, the United States remains Europe's primary arms supplier, providing 64 per cent of total NATO-Europe weapon imports, a sharp increase from 52 per cent in the previous five-year period.

Global Trends: Russia’s Declining Influence

While Europe has ramped up its arms procurement, Russia—historically a major global weapons exporter—has seen its arms exports plummet by 64 per cent between 2020 and 2024. 

The decline is attributed to sanctions, logistical constraints, and growing pressure from the US and its allies to isolate Moscow’s defense industry following the war in Ukraine.

Among Russia’s remaining customers, India continues to be the largest buyer, accounting for 38 per cent of its arms exports, though the country has diversified its military partnerships in recent years. 

Meanwhile, China—once a major importer of Russian arms—has prioritised domestic weapons production, reducing its reliance on Russian exports, the report said.

Europe’s Military Investment Plans Take A Shift

As uncertainty over US support for Ukraine grows, European leaders are pushing for greater defence independence.

The European Commission has proposed new fiscal measures to increase military spending, including a plan to borrow €150 billion ($163 billion) to strengthen Europe-wide defense capabilities.

Additionally, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced plans to mobilise up to €800 billion ($843 billion) in defense investments, focusing on artillery systems, missile programs, and anti-drone technology.