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In its latest review of global arms transfers, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimated that the global volume of arms transfers increased by 7.8 percent in the 2014-2018 period, compared to 2009-2013, Daily Sabah reported.

The United States provided over a third of global arms during the past five years, enhancing its role as the world's top weapons seller. The U.S. accounted for 36 percent of global arms sales during the period - up from 30 percent from the 2009-2013 period.

The U.S. sold arms to at least 98 countries, far more than any other major supplier, SIPRI said.

With an increase of 192 percent in arms imports, Saudi Arabia was the world's top arms importer during the period, accounting for 12 percent of global imports. In addition to the U.S., its main suppliers were Britain and France.

Russia, the world's second-largest exporter with one-fifth of global arms deliveries, sold weapons to 48 countries, the think tank said. Over half of Russia's exports went to India, China and Vietnam. Compared to 2009-2013, Russia's exports declined by 17 percent, partly due to reduced imports by India and Venezuela, SIPRI said.

In 2014-2018 period, Israeli, South Korean and Turkish arms exports increased substantially, 60 percent, 94 percent and 170 percent, respectively, compared to between 2009-2013 period, the report said.