Israel increased its arms imports and exports since 2021 as conflicts across the Middle East reshaped global weapons transfers, according to new data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The report found that states in the Middle East accounted for 26 percent of all international transfers of major arms between 2021 and 2025, making the region the third-largest recipient of weapons globally, after Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Over half of these imports (54%) came from the US, followed by Italy, France and Germany.
Israel ranked 14th among global arms importers during that period, accounting for about 1.9% of worldwide arms imports.
Israeli imports increased 12% compared with 2016-2020, reflecting heightened security pressures amid ongoing regional tensions and military operations.
The United States remained Israel’s primary supplier, providing 68% of its imported weapons, with Germany accounting for 31% and Italy for 1.3%.
Major systems delivered to Israel included guided bombs, missiles, armored vehicles, and combat aircraft.
By the end of 2025, Israel had 55 combat aircraft on order: 30 F-35 jets and 25 F-15s, scheduled for delivery beginning in 2026.
In parallel, the Jewish state strengthened its position as a major global arms exporter. The country ranked as the seventh-largest arms supplier worldwide in 2021-2025, increasing its exports by 56% compared to the previous five-year period.
Separate figures released in June by the Defense Ministry’s International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) showed Israel’s defense exports reached a record $13 billion, highlighting strong global demand for its military technology.
Israeli weapons systems were exported to 23 countries in Europe, 10 in Asia and Oceania, five in the Americas, and seven in Africa; additionally, two states in the Middle East received Israeli arms.
Researchers noted that strong international demand for air defense technologies, an area in which Israel’s defense companies specialize, has contributed to the country’s rising export volumes.
Regional conflicts shaping arms demand
According to SIPRI researchers, arms transfers to the Middle East were closely tied to ongoing conflicts and geopolitical rivalries, including Israel’s confrontation with Iran and Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, as well as the Israel-Hamas War.
Several other states involved in regional tensions were listed among the world’s largest arms importers. Saudi Arabia ranked third globally, accounting for 6.8% of global imports, while Qatar ranked fourth with 6.4%, and Kuwait was ninth with 2.8%.
Qatar’s imports increased 106% in 2016-2020 and 2021-2025, with purchases of combat aircraft from the US, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.
Kuwait also sharply increased its acquisitions, rising from being the 47th largest arms importer, globally, to the ninth, during the same period.
The United Arab Emirates remained another major buyer, importing combat helicopters from the US and air defense systems from multiple suppliers, including Israel.
The Islamic Republic of Iran ranked 101st among global arms importers, with the only recorded transfers consisting of several Yak-130 trainer aircraft from Russia.
However, Iran has become more active as an arms exporter, ranking 25th worldwide, with the majority of its exports going to Russia in the form of missiles and one-way attack drones. Additional shipments included missiles and drones supplied to Houthi forces in Yemen.
Despite ongoing wars and tensions, overall arms imports to the Middle East declined by 13% in 2016-2020 and 2021-2025, largely due to reduced purchases by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt.
SIPRI researchers noted that continuing conflicts and security concerns across the region were likely to sustain strong demand for advanced weapons systems in the coming years.