Russia’s Arms Exports Drop by Nearly 50% Since 2022, Report Shows

In 2024, Russia’s arms exports dropped by 47% compared to 2022, the year it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This decline is noted in a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) published in March, 2025.

“The decrease since 2022 is likely mostly related to Russia’s decision to prioritize the production of major arms for its own armed forces over those for export, the effects of multilateral trade sanctions imposed on Russia and increased pressure from the USA and its allies on states to avoid buying Russian arms,” the report reads.

Russia’s arms exports fell by 64% between 2015–2019 and 2020–2024, accounting for just 7.8% of global arms exports in the latter period.

According to SIPRI, The decline began even before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In 2020 and 2021, export volumes were significantly lower—ranging from 22% to 73% below any year between 2000 and 2019.

At the same time, despite the sharp decline in arms exports, Russia remains among the world’s top three arms exporters, according to SIPRI.

SPIRI adds that the U.S. remains the leading arms exporter, accounting for 43% of global arms sales. France ranks second in global arms exports, holding a 9.6% share of the market.

On March 10, Russia and Iran signed a memorandum of cooperation to jointly develop and manufacture microelectronics, aiming to establish sustainable production and supply chains amid existing restrictions.