SIPRI Top 100 arms producers see combined revenues surge as states rush to modernize and expand arsenals
SIPRI1 day
Report: Global Arms Sales Hit Record $679B
Are arms makers profiteering from war and suffering, or responding to legitimate security threats?
Above: A visitor handles a firearm during the MILIPOL PARIS 2025 in Villepinte, on Nov. 18, 2025. Image credit: Thibaud Moritz/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Weapons manufacturers are profiteering from human suffering, raking in billions while conflicts rage around the world. This blood money economy thrives on war and misery, proving that the global military-industrial complex prioritizes profits over peace. When war drives revenue increases for the world's top arms dealers, it's natural that profiting from death will become the favorite business the world over.
Pro-establishment narrative
Record arms sales reflect necessary responses to genuine security threats from aggressive powers and regional instability. Countries are rightfully investing in defense capabilities to protect their sovereignty against real threats such as Russian expansion and Chinese military buildup. The growth in military technology spending ensures democracies maintain deterrence and defensive superiority.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 10% chance that the Trump administration will attempt to withdraw from key international arms control agreements in 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Establishment split
CRITICAL
PRO
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0