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Saudi Arabia and UAE together imported more than Western Europe combined; Russia exported $10 billion worth of defence equipment in 2014

IHS Inc. (NYSE:IHS), the leading global source of critical information and insight, today released its annual Global Defence Trade Report, which examines trends in the global defence market across 65 countries and is based upon 40,000 defence programme deliveries from IHS Aerospace, Defence & Security’s Markets Forecast database.

In 2014, global defence trade increased for the sixth straight year to $64.4 billion, up from $56.8 billion. “Defence trade rose by a landmark 13.4 percent over the past year,” said Ben Moores, senior defence analyst at IHS Aerospace, Defence & Security. “This record figure has been driven by unparalleled demand from the emerging economies for military aircraft and an escalation of regional tensions in the Middle East and Asia Pacific.”

Highlights from the IHS Global Defence Trade Report:

• Saudi Arabia topped India to become the largest defence market for US;
• The US supplied one-third of all exports and was the main beneficiary of growth;
• Saudi Arabia and UAE imported more than all of Western Europe;
• China is now the third largest importer of defence equipment, up from fifth;
• South Korea is the rising star of Asia Pacific exports;
• Despite a record 2014, Russian defence exports are set to drop;
• Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Sweden and Nigeria are the UK’s top trading partners.

One out of every seven dollars spent on defence imports will be spent by Saudi Arabia

In 2014, Saudi Arabia replaced India as the largest importer of defence equipment worldwide and took the top spot as the number one trading partner for the US.

“Growth in Saudi Arabia has been dramatic and, based on previous orders, these numbers are not going to slow down,” Moores said.

Already the largest importer of weapons, Saudi Arabian imports increased by 54 percent between 2013 and 2014 and, based on planned deliveries, imports will increase by 52 percent to $9.8 billion in 2015. One out of every seven dollars spent on defence imports in 2015 will be spent by Saudi Arabia.

$110 billion in opportunities in Middle East

“When we look at the likely export addressable opportunities at a global level for the defence industry, five of the 10 leading countries are from the Middle East,” Moores said. “The Middle East is the biggest regional market and there are $110 billion in opportunities in coming decade.”

Saudi Arabia and UAE together imported $8.6 billion in defence systems in 2014, more than the imports of Western Europe combined. The biggest beneficiary of the strong Middle Eastern market remains the US, with $8.4 billion worth of Middle Eastern exports in 2014, compared to $6 billion in 2013.

The second tier of exporters to the Middle East is led by the United Kingdom with $1.9 billion, the Russian Federation with $1.5 billion, France with $1.3 billion and Germany with $1 billion.

China and South Korea stand out in Asia Pacific

In 2014, China jumped from the world’s fifth to the third largest defence importer.

“China continues to require military aerospace assistance from Russia and its total defence procurement budget will continue to rise very quickly,” said Paul Burton, Director of Defence Industry & Budgets at IHS Aerospace, Defence & Security.

IHS forecasts that fast-emerging exporter South Korea will become a regional leader in the coming decade. Some $35 billion in new contracts will come online within the next decade and the South Korean defence industry is forecast to win $6 billion in new business within East Asia. South Korea looks set to be the rising star of the Asia Pacific defence industry.

Russia had record year, but a perfect storm awaits

Russia exported $10 billion in 2014, an increase of 9 percent from 2013. China was the largest recipient of equipment ($2.3 billion) followed by India ($1.7 billion), and Venezuela and Vietnam (each $1 billion).

After years of sales growth, Russian industry exports now face challenging times. A drop off in exports is forecast for 2015 as major programs draw to a close, a trend that could be accelerated by sanctions.

Furthermore, falls in the oil price are set to have a devastating impact on some lead Russian clients who are vulnerable to low oil prices, such as Venezuela and Iran. This problem is compounded as Chinese industry becomes increasingly less dependent on Russian technology.

The Data

        Top Defence Importers Top Defence Importers 2013         2014 1. India         1. Saudi Arabia 2. Saudi Arabia         2. India 3. UAE         3. China 4. Taiwan         4. UAE 5. China         5. Taiwan 6. Indonesia         6. Australia 7. South Korea         7. South Korea 8. Egypt         8. Indonesia 9. Australia         9. Turkey 10. Singapore         10. Pakistan           Top Defence Exporters Top Defence Exporters 2013         2014 1. United States         1.United States 2. Russian Federation         2. Russian Federation 3. France         3. France 4. UK         4. UK 5. Germany         5. Germany 6. Israel         6. Italy 7. China         7. Israel 8. Italy         8. China 9. Sweden         9. Spain 10. Canada         10. Canada           Top Company Exporters Top Company Exporters 2013         2014 1. Boeing         1. Boeing 2. Raytheon         2. Lockheed Martin 3. Lockheed Martin         3. Raytheon 4. Airbus Group         4. Airbus Group 5. UAC         5. UAC 6. BAE Systems         6. Russian Helicopters 7. Thales         7. United Tech Corp 8. United Tech Corp         8. BAE Systems 9. UralvagonZavod         9. Thales 10. Russian Helicopters         10. Finmeccanica  

About the Global Defence Trade Report

The report was created using the IHS Aerospace, Defence & Security Markets Forecast database, a publicly sourced global forecasting tool that tracks current and future programs from the bottom up, looking at deliveries and funds released to industry rather than budgets. The study covers production, R&D, logistic support and service revenues where there is an export.

The entire market is covered except for munitions and small arms. Anything under 57mm caliber has not been included in this study. The study only tracked programs with a primarily military function, removing homeland security and Intelligence programs. Constant US dollars are used as the study’s base. For additional information visit: www.ihs.com/jmf

About IHS (www.ihs.com)

IHS (NYSE:IHS) is the leading source of insight, analytics and expertise in critical areas that shape today’s business landscape. Businesses and governments in more than 150 countries around the globe rely on the comprehensive content, expert independent analysis and flexible delivery methods of IHS to make high-impact decisions and develop strategies with speed and confidence. IHS has been in business since 1959 and became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange in 2005. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, USA, IHS is committed to sustainable, profitable growth and employs about 8,800 people in 32 countries around the world.

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