“Russia always goes after civilians.”
“The Wall Street Journal
https://www.wsj.com › world
May 18, 2025 — The value of weapons Ukraine’s defense industry can make has ballooned from $1 billion in 2022 to $35 billion over three years of war.”
via Google
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Ukraine is probably the fourth largest arms producer in the world, after the United States, the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China.
In WWII, the US converted auto and other factories into arms plants.
Russia almost certainly searches out:
1. CNC machine tools and takes them and the buildings housing them out of war production,
2. computers used to fight the war and blasts them and the buildings housing them into bits,
3. drone electronics and cell phones used to fight the war and blasts the buildings housing them into bits.
All Ukrainian war production & management should be moved out of Ukrainian cities and into small buildings dispersed deep in conifer forests far from Russian missile and drone bases.
The Ukrainian cellphone and Internet systems should be taken out of service so the Russians can’t use them for targeting.
Not according to Grok. Ukraine didn't even make the list.
I asked: Which nations are the world's largest arms producers?
Grok replies:
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The world's largest arms producers, based on data up to 2025, are primarily concentrated in a few nations with advanced industrial and technological capabilities. Here's a breakdown of the key players, focusing on their arms production and export activities:
United States
Dominance: The U.S. is the largest arms producer globally, accounting for over 40% of global arms exports (SIPRI, 2020-2024 data). It hosts major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, and General Dynamics.
Key Products: Fighter jets (F-35, F-22), missiles (Tomahawk, Javelin), drones (MQ-9 Reaper), and naval vessels.
Exports: Supplies over 100 countries, with top recipients including Saudi Arabia, Australia, and Japan.
Industry Scale: The U.S. defense industry employs hundreds of thousands and generates billions in revenue annually, with $81 billion in arms exports in 2023 alone (U.S. State Department).
Russia
Position: Second-largest arms exporter, with about 15-20% of global arms exports (SIPRI). Major producers include Rostec, Almaz-Antey, and United Aircraft Corporation.
Key Products: Tanks (T-90), fighter jets (Su-35, MiG-29), air defense systems (S-400), and small arms (Kalashnikov rifles).
Exports: Key markets include India, China, Egypt, and Algeria. Exports have declined due to sanctions and the Ukraine conflict, which strained production capacity.
Challenges: Western sanctions and reliance on domestic orders limit growth, but Russia remains a major supplier to non-Western allies.
China
Emerging Power: Rapidly growing as a producer and exporter, with companies like Norinco and AVIC leading. Accounts for roughly 5-6% of global arms exports.
Key Products: Drones (Wing Loong, CH-4), fighter jets (J-20, J-10), naval ships, and ballistic missiles.
Exports: Supplies over 40 countries, notably Pakistan, Bangladesh, and African nations. Competitive due to lower costs compared to Western arms.
Domestic Focus: Much of production supports the People’s Liberation Army, but export growth is significant in Asia and Africa.
France
Key Player: A major European producer, with companies like Dassault Aviation, Thales, and Naval Group. Holds about 10% of global arms exports.
Key Products: Fighter jets (Rafale), submarines, and missile systems (Exocet).
Exports: Strong presence in India, Egypt, and the UAE. France’s arms industry benefits from government support and advanced technology.
Strength: High-quality, versatile systems and a focus on strategic autonomy in defense production.
Germany
Significant Producer: Home to companies like Rheinmetall, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, and ThyssenKrupp. Accounts for around 5% of global arms exports.
Key Products: Tanks (Leopard 2), submarines, and small arms.
Exports: Supplies NATO allies, Middle Eastern countries, and others, though strict export regulations limit some markets.
Trends: Increasing production due to European rearmament post-Ukraine invasion, with a focus on land systems.
Other Notable Producers:
United Kingdom:
Produces advanced systems like the Eurofighter Typhoon and naval vessels (BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce). Strong in NATO and Commonwealth markets.
Israel:
Specializes in high-tech arms like drones, missile defense (Iron Dome), and cyber systems. Exports to India, Azerbaijan, and others.
Italy:
Produces helicopters, naval vessels, and small arms (Leonardo, Fincantieri). Active in European and Middle Eastern markets.
South Korea:
Rising producer with K2 tanks, K9 howitzers, and ships (Hyundai, Hanwha). Exports to Poland, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
Data Context: According to SIPRI’s 2020-2024 arms transfer database, the U.S., Russia, France, Germany, and China dominate due to their large defense budgets, technological expertise, and established export networks. Emerging producers like South Korea and Turkey are gaining ground, while India is scaling up domestic production to reduce reliance on imports.