Poland has risen to second place in Europe in terms of arms imports.
The latest SIPRI report shows that Poland currently accounts for 17% of arms imports within NATO Europe, with the main sources of supply coming from South Korea and the United States.
Poland is currently the second largest arms importer in Europe and ranks seventh globally. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the country accounts for 3.6% of total global arms imports, second only to Ukraine in the region.
The scale of Poland's arms imports in Europe.
Among NATO members in Europe, Poland leads in arms imports, holding a 17% market share. This increase reflects the Warsaw government's determination to rearm and strengthen its defense capabilities in the face of complex regional security developments.
Main supplier and defense relationship with South Korea
The SIPRI report indicates that Poland's arms supply structure is primarily focused on two strategic partners: South Korea and the United States. Specifically, weapons from South Korea account for 47% of total imports, while the US contributes 44% and Italy accounts for the remaining 2%.
Notably, Poland has become Seoul's largest customer over the past five years. This Eastern European nation receives up to 58% of South Korea's total arms exports, demonstrating the increasingly deep defense cooperation between the two sides.
A strong breakthrough in the export sector.
Besides its role as a buyer, the Polish defense industry has also seen remarkable growth in exports. Between 2021 and 2025, Poland rose to 14th place among the world's arms exporters, accounting for 1% of the global market share.
Compared to the 2016-2020 period, the country's export revenue has grown by 4,387%. Ukraine is the largest consumer market, receiving 94% of Poland's exports, followed by Estonia (1.6%) and Sweden (1.4%).
The strategic role in providing defense support to Ukraine.
Ukraine has been the world's largest recipient of foreign weapons for the past five years, accounting for 9.7% of total global imports. Among the at least 36 countries supplying weapons to Kyiv, Poland ranks third with a 9.4% market share, behind only the United States and Germany.
These statistics confirm Poland's crucial role in the arms trade and supply chain in Europe. The increased import and export activity demonstrates Warsaw's clear strategy of enhancing its defense capabilities and maintaining its geopolitical influence.
