India was the second-largest arms importer, though the trade figures decreased by 9.3% between 2015-19 and 2020-24, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

"France has now cemented its place as the second largest exporter vis-a-vis Russia, which was at that position some time ago," Mathew George, director of Sipri's Arms Transfer Programme told RFI.

Russia's weapons exports have plummeted amid the Ukraine conflict. France overtook Russia last year as the second-largest arms exporter globally. Russian weapons makers face a range of challenges ...

"France has now cemented its place as the second largest exporter vis-a-vis Russia, which was at that position some time ago," Mathew George, director of Sipri's Arms Transfer Programme told RFI.

Japan expanded its defence budget and began its biggest military build-up since the second world war. In 2023 defence-related domestic orders at Japan’s biggest arms manufacturers were two to ...