The middle east is getting armed to the teeth.

Good news for the arms industry, apparently.

According to a new report published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, arms transfer rose by 38% in the Middle East between 2004-2008, compared to 1999-2003. The UAE rose to the fifth largest arms importer globally, while Iraq, and Israel are amongst the biggest importers of arms in the region during this period.

• During the period 2004–2008 the UAE was the largest recipient of major conventional weapons in the region and the third largest in the world. Imports in this period included around 80 F-16E combat aircraft from the USA and around 50 Mirage-2000-9 combat aircraft from France. The UAE placed a number of significant orders in 2008 and looks set to remain a significant importer in the coming years.

• During the period 2004–2008 Iraq was the world’s 28th largest recipient of major conventional weapons, with 40 per cent of its imports coming from the USA. In 2008 Iraq ordered 140 M1A1 tanks from the USA and announced plans to obtain advanced combat aircraft and additional armoured vehicles.

• Israel’s arms imports in 2004–2008 consisted primarily of 102 F-16I combat aircraft and related air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons. The vast majority of weapon systems ordered by or transferred to Israel during this period came from the USA. Israel also imported components for its weapon systems from a variety of countries, including EU members.

According to SIPRI, the Middle East's share of total global transfers of major conventional weapons currently stands at 18%, rising from 15% during the previous study period. The UAE's share stood at 34%, Israel's at 22% and Egypt at 14%. The institutes explains that despite all speculations about Iran's arms import plans, "it accounted only for 5% of total imports in the region," making it the 27th largest importer globally.

The report does not reflect on another development in the Middle East: Nations are starting to develop their own weapons themselves, well, apart from Israel which is already amongs the top 10 producers, globally.

Jordan's King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau for example, recently finished developing a Russian anti-tank grenade launcher , and relaunched it under the name Hashim RPG-32. According to CNN Arabic, the new launcher is considered a national security threat due to its ability to destroy any type of tanks. RPG's were used by Hezbollah during the 2006 one month war with Israel, and caused serious damage to Israeli tanks. (Original post by Yugi). It is unclear whether the weapon will be produced for exports or for local use. It is worthwhile to note that Jordan recently finalised a partnership deal with the NATO, as I blogged here.

At the end SIPRI warned that such developments are very dangerous given the conflict potential in the region, and especially at a time when the need for collective solutions is extremely important.