Russia world’s 2nd biggest arms exporter in 2007-2011 – SIPRI

Russian Helicopter file photo

(Interfax – MOSCOW, July 9, 2013) Russia was the world’s second largest exporter of weapons after the United States in 2007-2011, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

“The volume of international trade of major conventional weapons grew by 24% between 2002-2006 and 2007-11. The five largest suppliers in 2007-11-the United States, Russia, Germany, France and the United Kindom-accounted for three-quarters of export volume. Aside from the five largest arms suppliers, China and Spain recorded significant increases in the volume of deliveries during 2007-11. While China’s exports are likely to continue to grow, Spain’s order records for ships, which account for the bulk of its exports . indicates that it will not maintain its volume of exports,” SIPRI said in its Yearbook 2012.

“States in Asia and Oceania received nearly half of all imports of major conventional weapons in 2007-11. Moreover, the five largest recipients of major conventional weapons-India, South Korea, Pakistan, China and Singapore-were all located in this region. Major importers are taking advantage of the competitive arms market to seek attractive deals in terms of financing, offset arrangements and the transfer of technology. India, which received 10% of all imports in 2007-11, is likely to remain the largest recipient of major conventional weapons in the coming years,” the yearbook said.

The Russian version of the yearbook was unveiled at a ceremony at the Institute of the World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO) of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow on Tuesday.

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