Open-Source Defence Datasets
Reusable data is the highest-leverage form of defence research, because it can be cited, reproduced and extended. The sources ranked here publish series with documented definitions and revision policies rather than one-off charts.
7 ranked sources • scored against the authority methodology
Key findings
- —Definition discipline is what makes a series reusable across years.
- —Event-level datasets support causal analysis that aggregated series cannot.
- —Citation practice should include the definition used, not only the publisher.
Ranked shortlist
- Visit
Benchmark Open Data on Arms Transfers & Sovereign Military Spending
Authoritative global research institute maintaining independent datasets on international arms deliveries, top 100 arms-producing companies, and global sovereign defense expenditures.
SEBenchmarkfreeAuthority 99/100 - Visit
Global Defense Budgets, Military Balance & Equipment Market Forecasting
Foundational global defense intelligence house providing proprietary forecasting models on military spending, technical weapon systems specifications, geopolitical risk data, and sovereign procurement projections across 90+ armed forces.
GBBenchmarkpaidAuthority 98/100 - Visit
Conflict Event Data & Fatality Tracking
Authoritative open-source conflict dataset disaggregating political violence and protest events by date, actor, location, and fatality count across global theaters.
GLBenchmarkfreeAuthority 96/100 - Visit
Physical Field Investigation of Weapon Systems & Semiconductor Sanctions Evasion
Field investigation organisation documenting serial numbers and electronic component chains of recovered combat missiles, drones, and guided munitions in frontline conflict zones.
GBBenchmarkfreeAuthority 94/100 - Visit
Nuclear Weapons Policy & Defense Data
Scientific research organization maintaining authoritative open databases on nuclear weapons inventories, missile systems, and defense budget structure.
USBenchmarkfreeAuthority 94/100 - Visit
Specialist Arms & Munitions Identification Technical Consultancy
Technical intelligence consultancy providing expert identification of small arms, unguided artillery munitions, guided missile fragments, and illicit weapon distribution networks.
AUSpecialized DeskfreeAuthority 91/100
Frequently asked
What makes a defence dataset citable?
A published definition, a stated methodology, a revision policy and a stable identifier or URL. Without those, a figure cannot be verified or reproduced, which limits its use to illustration rather than evidence.