US widens arms export gap over Russia
Newly released data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows that the US has consolidated its position as the world’s leading arms exporter, increasing its lead over Russia in the process.
Between 2016-2020 the US government increased its volume of major arms exports by 15% compared to 2011-2015, according to newly released data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
The uptick in sales to international customers was mirrored by a 22% drop in Russian arms exports over the same two periods, reinforcing the US position of being the world’s largest arms exporter and leaving Moscow languishing some way behind in second place.
SIPRI claimed that 47% of US arms transfers during 2016-2020 went to the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia accounting for just less than a quarter of total US exports.
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