In a significant shift within the global arms trade, France has overtaken Russia to claim the title of the world’s second-largest arms exporter. According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), France’s arms sales surged by an impressive 47% between 2019 and 2023 when compared to the period of 2014 to 2018. This remarkable growth has propelled France ahead of Russia in the international arms market.

Conversely, Russia experienced a sharp decline of 53% in its arms exports during the same period. This decline is largely attributed to the imposition of international sanctions against Russia, which have severely impacted its arms trade.

Despite these fluctuations, the United States maintains its position as the undisputed leader in global arms sales. With a notable increase of 17% in its arms exports, the US now commands an astonishing 42% share of the global arms market. Following closely behind, France secures the second position with a 10.92% share, while Russia trails at 10.54%.

The top five arms exporters are rounded out by China and Germany, holding 5.8% and 5.6% of the market, respectively. Collectively, these leading exporters control a staggering 75% of all international arms sales.

SIPRI attributes France’s rise in the arms trade to its more proactive international sales strategy. The report highlights that countries purchasing French weapons are attracted to the opportunities for military and industrial cooperation offered by France. Additionally, French arms enjoy the advantage of being exempt from US regulations on arms sales, known as ITAR-free, providing another incentive for potential buyers.

The shift in rankings underscores the evolving dynamics of the global arms market and the strategic maneuvers undertaken by key players to assert their dominance. France’s ascension to the second position reflects not only its prowess in arms manufacturing but also its adeptness in navigating international arms trade dynamics. As geopolitical tensions continue to shape the arms industry landscape, the competition among major exporters is expected to intensify, with implications for global security and stability.