Introduction: Arms Transfers as a Strategic Barometer
Arms transfers, the sale of military equipment between states, serve as a barometer of global power and insecurity. “The arms trade is central to the dynamics of violence, inequality, power, and global order.”[1] Recent data underscore this trend: for example, reported global exports of small arms and light weapons jumped from about US$5 billion in 2019 to US$9.2 billion in 2024,[2] signalling a broader demand. Studying arms transfers, including major conventional weapons and small arms, reveals shifting balances and tensions. This brief examines the global trends in arms trade, the major exporters and importers, and the security implications of these flows, before focusing on South Asia. The purpose is to provide a data-driven, strategic overview and conclude with policy recommendations.
