The latest study by the Swedish SIPRI Institute on the world's top 100 arms companies in 2023 shows how much the turnover of these companies has increased in fresh years, especially in the US. Their revenues last year amounted to over $300 billion, that is, as much as the remaining companies from the combined list. Unfortunately, the study is besides a sad proof of the mediocre condition of the home armory. The only national entity in this ranking of the Polish Armed Forces Group, yes, was promoted in this year's ranking by 9 positions, but it is inactive only 64th place.
The existing Stockholm global Peace investigation Institute since the mid-1960s – SIPRI is an institution that has specialized in analysing global defence spending, considering both state budgets and companies specialising in the production of military equipment and weapons.
For six decades, SIPRI has published 2 expected reports each year by analysts and experts – in spring (at the turn of March and April) on State arms expenditure from around the planet and early winter (in early December) dedicated to 100 largest arms companies from all over the globe.
Both reports are a testament to the ongoing geopolitical and economical changes. The first shows the increasing aspirations of individual states, as well as the regions affected by conflicts that may turn into wars. The second study on the 100 largest arms companies shows, somewhat colloquially speaking, Who makes money from it.
SIPRI data from fresh years leave no illusions as to which country is the leader of defence production. This is the United States of America. In the early 21st century, European companies fought for a place in the top 5 planet arms giants, but for respective years the first 5 positions have been held by US players.
This year's study only confirms US dominance. American companies recorded gross of $317 billion in 2023. Is that a lot? The answer is that all the another entities on the list didn't even make that much together. It's not an advantage, it's a chasm.
The only white-red accent in the SIPRI list is the Polish Armed Forces Group. Unfortunately, it is hard to enjoy her position. Yes, she was promoted in this year's ranking by 9 positions (at 64th place). However, in 2018, PGZ was besides in a akin place to fall into the mid-seven-ten area 3 years later.
I admit that I am profoundly annoyed that the Polish armed forces could not take full advantage of the chances of gaining fresh outlets, which have brought about fresh years and the emergence in geopolitical tension in Europe. individual will say that it is cruel to see business in war-torn and human tragedies, but the facts are that since Europe, including us, must defend ourselves against Russia's aggressive policy, individual must produce and supply the essential weapons and military equipment. And in this place, we truly can't ask ourselves, why shouldn't it be Polish companies? They can, and they should!
The SIPRI summary shows clearly how South Korean companies utilized the situation. Hanwha Company was promoted from 42nd to 24th. It is no different with the aircraft company KAI, which moved from seat 75 to 56, and Hyundai Rotem from 107 to 87. Let us be honest, it was Polish billions of PLN that drove to a large degree this Korean growth.
I do not want to start another discussion on the rationality of purchases in South Korea, especially to defend the acquisition of equipment which is manufactured in Poland by our companies. However, I very much hope that the SIPRI study for 2030 will show that Polish plants have launched the licensing of Korean weapons – tanks and rockets – and are doing well with their sales, entering the top 50 of the largest arms companies in the world.
