The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIIPM), provided data that the volume of arms exports from Russia in 2013-2017 compared with the previous five-year plan decreased by 7,1%. But this decline did not affect the state's weight in the global arms market, where Russia confidently occupies the second line of the rating. Only the USA is above it. It is noteworthy that in some market segments Russia is significantly ahead of the United States, despite the fact that the total volume of US arms exports during this period was 58% higher.

According to SIIPM calculations, Russia is the second exporting country with a market share of 23%. Exports of weapons from the United States for the reporting period (2013-2017) increased by a quarter, providing America with 34% of the global volume. “The deals made during the Obama presidency ensured the highest level of US arms supplies since the late 1990s. They and other contracts signed in 2017 guarantee the United States to maintain its position as the largest arms exporter in the coming years, ”commented on the market situation, Director of the Arms and Military Expenditure Program of SIIPM Aude Flerand.

Most of all Russian weapons are purchased by India (35%), China (12%) and Vietnam (10%). American weapons are predominantly sent to Saudi Arabia (18%), the UAE (7,4%) and Australia (6,7%).

The third position in the ranking of the largest arms exporters was taken by France (6,7% in the world export share). The main sales markets for it are Egypt (25%), China (8,6%) and India (8,5%). Globally, the volume of arms exports in 2013-2017 increased by 10% compared to the previous five-year period (2008-2012).

A report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute indicates that three quarters of all world arms exports in 2013-2017 were provided by 5 countries (USA, Russia, France, Germany and China). As for imports, the leaders were India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, China and the United Arab Emirates.

These countries buy 35% of the sold weapons. In the arms procurement structure of India, which is recognized as the world's largest exporter of military products, Russia's share was 62%.

Deputy investment company Finam, Yaroslav Kabakov, said that the volume of arms exports from the Russian Federation was reduced, which is explained by increased competition in the arms market. He stressed: "In addition to traditional exporting countries, other states and companies offer their products. They are trying to occupy their own niche, so they pursue an aggressive export policy, which is followed by market changes. " Thus, these new participants can count only on certain types of weapons. However, the situation in this market may change.

Kabakov said: "The constant race between offensive and defensive weapons has stimulated the development of the military-industrial complex and contributed to the modernization of military equipment in different countries, giving manufacturers the opportunity to capitalize on this."

He says that Russia confidently holds high positions in the world arms market. In Russia, research and development of new types of weapons are constantly carried out, so the probability of losing the position is negligible. The Russian Federation will continue to be on the list of the world's largest arms exporters.

The fifth position in the ranking is occupied by China, where rapid growth rates are observed: over the past 5 years, the increase in the volume of supplies of Chinese military equipment and weapons to the world market amounted to 38%. It is noteworthy that in some markets, China has overtaken competitors from the top three. For example, between 2013 and 2017, China supplied its weapons to 48 countries. According to this indicator, Russia has concluded successful deals for the supply of weapons with 47 states.