How Russia’s declining arms sales is reshaping the global defence industry
Serbia has reportedly been close to signing a €3 billion deal with France’s Dassault Aviation for up to 12 Rafale fighter jets. (Photo: French Air Force on X)
As Serbia considers a multi-billion-euro deal for French Rafale fighter jets, its move towards Western arms has signalled a significant departure from its reliance on Russian equipment, reflecting broader shifts in global defence procurement.
Russia’s international arms sales halved between 2019 and 2023. With war raging in Ukraine and sanctions hitting Moscow hard, the country fell behind France for the first time becoming the world's third-largest arms exporter, according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
As Russia’s influence wanes – the country exported major arms to 31 states in 2019 but only exported to 12 in 2023 – countries such as India are focusing more on their own military strengths and teaming up with old rivals. Age-old alley Serbia, meanwhile, has been increasingly turning to the West for military gear, marking change driven by practical needs and global politics. The trend will likely continue
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone]()
XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone
XTEND is supplying its Scorpio UAS to meet a US DoD requirement for an indoor/outdoor strike drone.
-
![US Congress limits F-35 procurement]()
US Congress limits F-35 procurement
Restrictions cover new purchases of the three variants of the multirole fighter and require the DoD to correct issues in the acquisition programme.
-
![Spain makes order for 25 Eurofighter Typhoons]()
Spain makes order for 25 Eurofighter Typhoons
Known as the Halcon II programme, the order covers 21 single-seat and four twin-seat aircraft, set to be delivered between 2030 and 2035.
