The United States remains the largest exporter of conventional weapons in the world. The US accounts for 33 percent of global arms transfers, up from 29 percent in 2006-2010, according to SIPRI. According to Aude Fleurant, director of the Arms and Military Expenditure Program, during the past five years, the U.S. has sold or transferred weapons to at least 96 countries.

Russia is the second largest weapons supplier in the world with a 25 percent share in 2011-2015, up from 22 percent 2006-2010. During this period, Moscow supplied arms to 50 countries, and India became the largest buyer. It acquired 39% of Russia's weapons.

The third place in the list belongs to China. China is becoming a major player in supplying weapons. Its share in the arms market was 5.9%. China has moved from a net arms importer to a powerhouse exporter in just a few short years, producing its own versions of Russian military hardware as well as developing weapons technology for its own use and for sale around the world.

France is ranked the fourth, while it used to be considered as the third largest weapons exporter until 2006, the SIPRI study shows. The French arms exports are estimated at 8% of the total sales. United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Greece are the largest of France's clients.

Germany closes the top five leaders in arms exports with a market share of 4.7%. Germany's arms exports are showing rapid growth, however, although much of the growth has come from the sale of air refueling tankers to Britain, among other large-ticket items like submarines.

The sixth place in the ranking of arms exporters goes to the UK with a market share of 4.5%. The leading direction of its arms exports was the Middle East. During the military conflicts in the region, the need for arms supplies was growing.

The seventh place belongs to Spain with a market share of 3.5%. The main buyers of Spanish weapons are the countries of the Middle East (Oman, Bahrain, UAE) and Australia.

Italy is the eighth in the ranking with its market share of 2.7%.

Ukraine takes the ninth place with a market share of 2.6%. The main recipients of Ukrainian weapons are Nigeria, Thailand, Croatia, China, and Algeria.

The Netherlands closes the top ten leaders among arms exporters with a market share of 2%. Specialists of SIPRI note that the country is giving up its positions in the arms market. Leading buyers of arms from the Netherlands are Egypt, India, and Pakistan.