Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukraine was the #1 arms importer in the world until last year, when it fell to 3rd, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Which country will be the #1 largest arms importer in the world in 2026, according to data published by SIPRI?

SIPRI typically updates annual arms import figures each March with an accompanying report (the most recent report was published Mar 2026, see also Mar 2025, Mar 2024, Mar 2023).

SIPRI's arms import figures are available on their database. To get the data for last year, use their Import/Export top list function with the period set to 2025-2025.