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Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
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Coverage of the database


This page presents a brief overview of the types of weapon systems and types of transfers covered by the SIPRI Arms Transfers Database. More information on the sources, methodology and coverage of the database are available in the appendix on sources and methods in the annual SIPRI Yearbook chapter by the Arms Transfers Project.

Types of weapons


Since publicly available information is inadequate for the tracking of all weapons and other military equipment, the SIPRI Arms Transfers Database covers only what it defines as major conventional weapons. The database covers the following:

  • Aircraft: all fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, including unmanned reconnaissance/ surveillance aircraft, with the exception of microlight aircraft, powered and unpowered gliders and target drones.
  • Armoured vehicles: all vehicles with integral armour protection, including all types of tank, tank destroyer, armoured car, armoured personnel carrier, armoured support vehicle and infantry fighting vehicle. Only vehicles with very light armour protection (such as trucks with an integral but lightly armoured cabin) are excluded.
  • Artillery: naval, fixed, self-propelled and towed guns, howitzers, multiple rocket launchers and mortars, with a calibre equal to or above 100 mm.
  • Sensors: (a) all land-, aircraft- and ship-based active (radar) and passive (e.g. electro-optical) surveillance systems with a range of at least 25 kilometres, with the exception of navigation and weather radars, (b) all fire-control radars, with the exception of range-only radars, and (c) Anti-submarine warfare and anti-ship sonar systems for ships and helicopters. In cases where the system is fitted on a platform (vehicle, aircraft or ship), the register only notes those systems that come from a different supplier from that of the platform.
  • Air defence systems: (a) all land-based surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, and (b) all anti-aircraft guns with a calibre of more than 40 mm. This includes selfpropelled systems on armoured or unarmoured chassis.
  • Missiles: all powered, guided missiles and torpedoes with conventional warheads. Unguided rockets, guided but unpowered shells and bombs, free-fall aerial munitions, anti-submarine rockets and target drones are excluded.
  • Ships: (a) all ships with a standard tonnage of 100 tonnes or more, and (b) all ships armed with artillery of 100-mm calibre or more, torpedoes or guided missiles, with the exception of most survey ships, tugs and some transport ships.
  • Engines: (a) engines for military aircraft, for example, combat-capable aircraft, larger military transport and support aircraft, including helicopters; (b) engines for combat ships, such as fast attack craft, corvettes, frigates, destroyers, cruisers, aircraft carriers and submarines; (c) engines for most armoured vehicles—generally engines of more than 200 horsepower output. In cases where the system is fitted on a platform (vehicle, aircraft or ship), the register only notes those systems that come from a different supplier from the supplier of the platform.
  • Other: (a) all turrets for armoured vehicles fitted with a gun of at least 20-mm calibre or with guided anti-tank missiles, (b) all turrets for ships fitted with a gun of at least 57-mm calibre, and (c) all turrets for ships fitted with multiple guns with a combined calibre of at least 57 mm. In cases where the system is fitted on a platform (vehicle or ship), the register only notes those systems that come from a different supplier from the supplier of the platform.

The Arms Transfers Database does not cover other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons (SALW) other than man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) and some categories of guided anti-tank missiles. Neither are trucks, artillery under 100-mm calibre, ammunition, components (other than radars and engines), or repair and support services included in the database.

Types of transfers


The SIPRI Arms Transfers Database covers all international sales and gifts of both weapons and the technology necessary for the production of weapons. To be included in the database, the following conditions must apply:

  • The transfer of equipment or technology must be from one country, rebel force or international organisation to another country, rebel force or international organisation. Weapons supplied to or from a rebel force or international organisation are included as deliveries to or from that group, identified under separate 'recipient' or 'supplier' headings.
  • The equipment or technology must be destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country, rebel force or international organisation.
  • The equipment or technology must have a military purpose. Systems such as VIP (very important person) aircraft used mainly for other government branches but registered with and operated by the armed forces are excluded. Weapons supplied for evaluation purposes are not included.
  • The equipment or technology must be transferred voluntarily by the supplier. This includes weapons delivered illegally without proper authorization by the government of the supplier or recipient country but excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained from defectors.
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