West Asia's Arms Imports Soar Amid Rising Tensions; SIPRI Data Reveals Militarisation

• West Asia's arms imports have surged over two decades, driven by rising regional tensions and the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
• SIPRI data shows the region's share of global arms imports (excluding Israel and Iran) rose from 8% (2007-2012) to 21.1% (2019-2024).
• Aircraft and missile systems dominate imports, with naval capabilities also gaining prominence in the region.
• UAE and Saudi Arabia are reshaping procurement; UAE shifted to missiles, while Saudi Arabia prioritizes aircraft.
• The US remains the dominant arms supplier to the Gulf, though Turkey, Russia, and China are increasing their presence.