The independent resource on global security

Armament and disarmament

SIPRI looks at the most important symptoms of insecurity and efforts to control them.

SIPRI examines the process of armament. Our research covers the design and development of new technologies, the production of weapons in the arms industry, international arms transfers and military spending at the country level.

We also work on arms control and disarmament, looking at both conventional weapons and so-called weapons of mass destruction: nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. In this vein, SIPRI monitors relevant treaties, export controls and embargoes.

A major part of SIPRI’s work on armament and disarmament is its databases. They produce four major data launches each year: the top 100 arms-producing companies, international arms transfers, countries’ military spending and countries’ nuclear forces. Established in 1968, SIPRI’s databases exemplify our belief in the power of data, transparently collected and freely accessible, to contribute to evidence-based policy and to broaden public knowledge.

In the words of Gunnar Myrdal, SIPRI’s first chair of the board: 'Facts kick.'

RESEARCH THEMES

Piles of coins next to a bullet

SIPRI tracks arms production, international arms tranfers, arms embargoes and military spending.

Checking exports from ship and truck in shipyard

SIPRI promotes dual-use and arms trade controls through research, publications, seminars and capacity-building activities.

Emerging military and security technologies

SIPRI monitors key developments in science and technology.

EU flags in Brussels, Belgium

The EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium forms the core of a wider network of European non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks and research centres which the Consortium is responsible for promoting and coordinating.

Museum of Science and Industry in Hiroshima, Japan on 6 August 1945

SIPRI seeks to contribute to the understanding of trends and developments pertaining to nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.