Greece is the largest importer of conventional weapons in the European Union. Conventional weapons are weapons that are not considered "weapons of mass destruction" and include such military defense equipment as helicopters, submarines and fighter jets, as well as shells, rockets, and missiles. In recent years purchases have included more than two dozen fighter jets, 15 rescue helicopters and six frigates.
More Defense Spending Facts:
- As a percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Greece has the highest overall military spending of any European country in 2010.
- Greece not only is the largest European importer of conventional weaponry, but also the fifth largest importer in the world.
- China and India are the largest overall importers of conventional weapons in the world. The United States is the largest exporter, exporting more than 30 percent of exported weapons worldwide.