NATO countries, primarily the US and its arms companies, profitted the most from the war in Ukraine. In a report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) this March, the US share in global arms sales grew by 43% between 2020 and 2024, mainly from the armed conflict in Ukraine. The US sold more arms compared to the combined sales of the next eight largest arms-exporting countries. The US sells arms to 107 countries, including the Philippines.

Overall, the US and its NATO allies control 80% of global arms sales. France (9.6% share in global exports) and Russia (7.8%) follow the US as the top arms sellers in 2020-2024.

During this period, Ukraine was the largest importer of arms. A significant portion (71%) of these were second-hand weapons the US was seeking to dispose. Ukraine accounted for 9% of all imported arms worldwide, with 45% originating from the US. Germany and Poland followed as its major sellers.

Aside from Ukraine, the US is also the largest supplier of arms to Israel and its genocide in Gaza. Sixty-six percent (66%) of incoming weapons to Israel come from the US. Among the US exports to Israel are combat aircraft (jet fighters), armored vehicles, and guided bombs. Following the US is Germany (33%), which sold ships and torpedoes to Zionist Israel.

Meanwhile, the Philippines ranked 27th among the largest importers of arms from 2020-2024. Its share in global arms purchases increased by 53%, from 0.6% during 2015-2019 to 0.9% in 2020-2024. The Philippines primarily purchased weapons from South Korea and the US, as well as from Israel. The Philippines is Israel’s third-largest weapons client, following India and South Korea.