With Iron Dome interceptors streaking across the sky, Merkava tanks patrolling borders, and IAI drones circling overhead, Israel’s military technology has become increasingly visible on the global stage.

What’s less apparent is how the IDF’s weapons systems are reshaping the international arms trade.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s latest annual report, the United States remains the colossus of the industry, responsible for 43% of all arms exports worldwide.

France (9.6%), Russia (7.8%), Germany (5.6%), and Italy (4.8%) round out the top five on the list.

Despite the ongoing war in Gaza, Israel has quietly climbed to eighth place among the world’s arms exporters. Israel now accounts for 3.1% of global arms exports, edging out Spain, which holds 3% of the market.

Up from 2.4% in the previous reporting cycle, India remains Israel’s largest customer, taking 34% of its arms exports, followed by the US at 13% and Philippines at 8.1%.

Israel also remains a significant importer as well, ranking fifteenth globally and accounting for 1.9% of worldwide arms imports.

Germany counts Israel as its third-largest customer, with 11% of its arms exports heading to the Jewish state.

Meanwhile, European arms imports have skyrocketed by 155% due to Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Since 2022, Kyiv’s arms imports have increased by a staggering 9,627%, catapulting it to the position of the world’s largest arms importer with 8.8% of global purchases.

The US supplies 45% of Ukraine’s imported weapons, with Germany (12%) and Poland (11%) following behind.

Image - JNS/Aerospace Industries