US weapons sales surge to $175bn, fueled by global demand

US arms and ammunition sales overseas climbed sharply last year, reaching a record sum of $238bn (£187bn), as Russia’s attack on Ukraine stoked demand.

Remarkable Increase in US Arms Sales:

The US government directly negotiated $81 billion in arms sales, marking a significant 56% increase from the previous year, according to the state department’s annual report. The report covers the fiscal year that ended in October.

Contributions to Sales:

The $81 billion includes direct negotiations by the US government and sales made by US defense companies to foreign nations. The latter category comprises a substantial portion of the total arms sales.

Key Buyers and Purchases:

Poland emerged as one of the significant buyers, making substantial purchases, including Apache helicopters ($12 billion), High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (Himars) ($10 billion), and M1A1 Abrams tanks ($3.75 billion). 

Germany spent $8.5 billion on Chinook helicopters, Bulgaria paid $1.5 billion for Stryker armored vehicles, and Norway acquired $1 billion worth of multi-mission helicopters. The Czech Republic invested $5.6 billion in F-35 jets and munitions.

Poland’s Military Modernization Drive:

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk has committed to continuing the military modernization program, aiming to position Poland as the most powerful land force in Europe.

Russia’s Declining Influence:

The report suggests that global arms sales were boosted by countries moving away from Russia, which historically has been the second-largest seller of weapons after the US. 

The Russian defense industry is described as failing, facing challenges such as resource denial from exports, leading to a decline in its influence.

US Arms Sales as a Foreign Policy Tool:

The state department emphasized that arms transfers and defense trade play a crucial role in US foreign policy, with potential long-term implications for regional and global security.

Rationale Behind US Arms Sales:

The Biden administration contends that American support to Ukraine, facilitated through arms sales, contributes to the domestic economy. However, some US lawmakers are increasingly considering ending direct support to Ukraine, with discussions tied to broader policy issues.

NATO Secretary General’s Visit:

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is scheduled to visit a Lockheed Martin missile facility in Alabama, emphasizing the importance of the US defense industry to the alliance.

Global Sales Beyond Europe:

The report also highlighted arms sales beyond Europe, including South Korea’s $5 billion purchase of F-35 jets, Australia’s $6.3 billion spending on C130J-30 Super Hercules planes, and Japan’s $1 billion deal for an E-2D Hawkeye surveillance plane.