World arms trade, a significant gap in exports between the US and Russia, reports

A researcher from Sweden says arms exports have increased globally due to increased demand from countries in conflict, but there has been a significant gap in exports between the US and Russia.

According to the Stockholm International Pursuit Research Institute (SPRY), global arms exports have increased by 5.5% over the period from 2010-2014, from 2015 to 2019.

Peter Weizman, a senior researcher at Spree, said that 'overall arms transfers have increased, demand in arms-importing countries has increased'.

Shipments from the United States increased by 23%, followed by 36% of global arms exports.

Between 2015 and 2019, the United States provided major weapons to 96 countries.

Half of US arms exports go to the Middle East and half of it is Saudi Arabia, the world's largest arms importer.

Saudi Arabia's arms imports increased by 130% compared to 2010-2014 and it accounted for 12% of global arms exports between 2015-2019.

Peter Weizmann said "the fact that such large-scale arms exports to the Middle East are alarming because the region is facing conflict and tensions and will likely increase tensions"