Weapons in Europe, the main producers and importers

Italy is also a major exporter of defence systems and high-technology components, thanks to Leonardo, which is one of Europe's largest manufacturers in the aerospace, naval, and land sectors with annual sales of around 13 billion euro, of which around 70 per cent go abroad. With 43% growth in armament exports in recent years, Italy is targeting NATO markets, but also countries such as Qatar and Kuwait with orders worth EUR 5 billion. Italian policy is geared towards supporting stability and security in regions such as the Mediterranean and North Africa, justifying the supply of military equipment also as diplomatic leverage.

The UK, although now outside the EU, continues to maintain a central role in the European defence sector. Bae Systems is the UK's largest manufacturer, supplying fighters (Eurofighter Typhoon), submarines and missile systems: in 2023 it closed contracts worth over EUR 15 billion, with sales of Eurofighter Typhoons and nuclear submarines. Exports are oriented towards the United States, NATO members and the Middle East. Cooperation with Washington is particularly relevant, especially in the context of the AUKUS programme aimed at strengthening security in the Pacific, reflecting the expansion of the UK's global defence outlook.

Despite a developed defence industry, some European countries are among the largest arms importers in the world. Notable among them are Poland, Greece and the Baltic States, which have specific needs due to their geopolitical position and relations with Russia.

Poland is in a strategic position along NATO's eastern border and has recently embarked on a massive rearmament plan, which includes the import of armaments from the United States, South Korea and Germany.

Warsaw has signed billion-dollar contracts for air defence systems, heavy artillery, and drones, aiming to become one of the most advanced forces in Eastern Europe. The purchases were justified by the growing threat posed by Russia, with a defence budget of up to 4 per cent of GDP (or around EUR 28 billion), one of the highest in NATO. Among the most recent orders are 366 K2 tanks and 212 K9 howitzers from South Korea, with a total value of around EUR 8 billion.

Tensions with historic rival and NATO member Turkey have led Greece to adopt an advanced defence policy. The country is a major importer of French and American armaments, with purchases of Rafale fighters and MIM-104 Patriot missile defence systems. Athens is also investing in a more robust naval fleet to ensure security in the eastern Mediterranean, where territorial disputes with Ankara remain an open issue.

The Baltic States, Russia's neighbours, are among the most vulnerable in terms of security. To counter possible Russian incursions, these states have increased arms imports from the US and other NATO countries. The acquisitions include artillery systems, air defence and high-tech munitions, which are considered vital to ensure deterrence along NATO's eastern border.

The United States is the main source of armaments for Europe. Advanced American technology - from F-35 fighter jets to Patriot missile systems - is seen as a key element in strengthening European defence against external threats. South Korea has emerged as a major new partner, especially for Poland, while Israel has long supplied drones and advanced surveillance systems, particularly in demand for border control and monitoring enemy activities.

*This article is part of the Pulse project and was written by Silvia Martelli (Il Sole 24 Ore, Italy), Nikola Lalov (Mediapool.bg, Bulgaria) and Ieva Kniukštienė (Delfi, Lithuania).