armshandel

Armshandel, or arms trade, is the commerce of weapons and military equipment, including the production, export, import, transfer, brokering, and licensing of arms and related technology. It covers a wide range of goods from small arms and ammunition to warships, aircraft, missiles, and dual-use technologies with potential military applications. The trade operates through lawful state channels as well as illicit networks, and it can occur between states, within states, or across borders via brokers.

Regulation and law

Most countries regulate armshandel through export controls designed to prevent transfers that could fuel conflict or egregious human rights abuses. Internationally, the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), adopted by the United Nations in 2013 and in force since 2014, sets common standards for transfers and requires assessments of risks such as violations of human rights or international humanitarian law. Other regimes include the Wassenaar Arrangement, which coordinates export controls on dual-use goods and arms, and regional frameworks such as the European Union’s common position and code of conduct on arms exports. Licensing, end-use/end-user checks, and reporting obligations are common elements of national controls.

Market and actors

The global armshandel is dominated by a few large exporters and a broad set of importing states and non-state actors. Among the largest exporters are the United States, Russia, China, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom; among the largest importers are India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and Egypt. Arms brokers and private contractors also participate in facilitating transfers and moving technology through supply chains.

Impacts and debates

Arms transfers influence security, regional power balances, and development, and they raise concerns about human rights, civilian harm, corruption, and diversion to illicit networks. Proponents emphasize security and economic benefits, while critics warn of fueling conflict and destabilization.

Transparency and data

Researchers such as SIPRI maintain databases on arms transfers and production, but data quality varies due to secrecy and underreporting. Armshandel remains a contested area balancing security interests with humanitarian considerations.