The United States has extended its lead over other nations as the world’s biggest exporter of weapons, with Europe now its main customer.

European arms imports rose 155% in 2020-24 and Ukraine has become the world's biggest arms importer following Russia's 2022 invasion, according to a report released by a leading conflict think tank on Monday.

The US accounted for the majority of arms imports by European NATO states in the last four years, a Swedish research group found, highlighting their dependence at a time when transatlantic relations are fraying.

Volumes of arms exports have remained constant but the recipients have changed dramatically. That's according to the latest report from SIPRI, considered one of the world's most reputable sources on the arms industry.