European NATO Nations Shift Arms Imports from US to Allies

European NATO countries have significantly reduced their dependence on the United States for weapons imports over the past year. Analysis from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicates that these nations are diversifying their arms sources, increasingly acquiring military equipment from South Korea, France, and Israel.

According to SIPRI’s report published on March 9, 2023, the U.S. now accounts for 58% of major arms imports by NATO’s European member states during the 2021-2025 period. This represents a decline from 64% during the previous five years, highlighting a notable shift in procurement strategies among European nations.

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, European defense spending surged. This escalation has led to a more than threefold increase in the region’s arms imports as countries seek to enhance their military capabilities. European leaders are now focusing on reducing reliance on the U.S., particularly in light of previous statements by former President Donald Trump, which raised concerns about American commitment to European defense.

“Threat perceptions concerning Russia, compounded by uncertainties over the USA’s commitment to defending its European allies, have boosted demand for arms among European member states,” SIPRI noted in its analysis.

Changing Dynamics in Arms Procurement

While European defense manufacturers have ramped up production and the European Union has increased support for domestic arms industries, imports from the U.S. remain significant. According to Katarina Djokic, a researcher with SIPRI’s Arms Transfers Programme, European nations continued to acquire U.S. arms, particularly in the categories of combat aircraft and long-range air-defense systems.

By the end of 2025, twelve European countries had a combined total of 466 F-35 fighter jets either ordered or preselected, with 39 of these jets ordered in the past year. This indicates that while there is a shift in sourcing, the U.S. military technology remains highly valued.

South Korea emerged as the second-largest supplier to European NATO members, capturing 8.6% of their arms imports. This is an increase from 6.5% in the previous five-year period. Israel’s share also grew significantly, reaching 7.7%, up from 3.9% in the prior analysis, while France’s share increased to 7.4% from 6.5%.

Global Trends in Arms Exports

The global arms trade has seen its fastest growth in a decade, with the volume of major arms transfers rising by 9.2% between 2021 and 2025 compared to the previous five years. This increase has been largely driven by European countries boosting their military capabilities in response to perceived threats from Russia. “Deliveries to Ukraine since 2022 are the most obvious factor, but most other European states have also started importing significantly more arms,” said Mathew George, director of SIPRI’s Arms Transfers Programme.

U.S. arms shipments to Europe rose by 217% during the 2021-2025 period, with a portion of these exports intended for Ukraine. SIPRI reported that the U.S. remains the world’s largest arms exporter, holding a market share of 34%, followed by France at 9.8%.

Germany has recently surpassed China to become the fourth-largest arms exporter globally, with 24% of its exports directed to Ukraine. Italy has also made strides, moving to sixth place in global arms exports, with a significant portion of its arms reaching the Middle East.

As countries assess their defense strategies in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, the shift in arms imports among European NATO members reflects a broader trend of diversification in defense procurement. The implications of these changes will continue to shape the security dynamics within Europe and beyond.