Record-breaking $318 billion surge in US arms sales amid global unrest
In 2024, sales of American military equipment reached a record value of $318.7 billion, representing a 29% increase compared to the previous year. This significant rise in demand is associated with the need to replenish weapon stocks supplied to Ukraine and the growing instability worldwide.
Direct sales by American arms companies rose to $200.8 billion in the fiscal year 2024, compared to $157.5 billion in 2023. Transactions through the US government reached $117.9 billion, up from $80.9 billion the previous year.
Among the most significant contracts were the sale of F-16 fighter jets and the modernization of Turkey's air fleet, valued at $23 billion. Israel purchased F-15 fighter jets for $18.8 billion despite accusations of human rights violations in the Gaza Strip. Romania acquired M1A2 Abrams tanks for $2.5 billion.
Controversies and humanitarian aspects
The American journalistic organization ProPublica reports that Secretary of State Antony Blinken ignored warnings about human rights violations by Israel. According to a Human Rights Watch report from November 2024, Israel conducted deliberate actions preventing Palestinians from returning to significant parts of the Gaza Strip.
US arms manufacturers face increasing demand due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Defense ministries from around the world are placing orders for American weapons, while the United States itself is striving to replenish its stocks after transferring a significant portion of arms to Kyiv.
The US State Department emphasizes that it uses a "holistic approach" to making decisions on arms exports, considering political, social, human rights, and civilian protection factors. In fiscal year 2024, 16,227 sales cases were overseen, totaling over $845 billion.
Americans selling weapons on a large scale
In fiscal year 2024, the United States recorded a record increase in the value of arms transfers and defense trade, reaching $117.9 billion under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system. This is an increase of 45.7% compared to the previous year. The largest recipients of American weapons were Turkey, Israel, Romania, Germany, Japan, India, South Korea, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Australia, Greece, Norway, Poland, and Austria.
Under the FMS system, Turkey purchased F-16 aircraft for $23 billion, Israel purchased F-15IA and F-15I+ aircraft for $18.8 billion, and Romania purchased F-35 aircraft for $7.2 billion. Germany acquired PATRIOT missiles for $5 billion, and Japan purchased KC-46A refueling aircraft for $4.1 billion. Poland invested in various weapon systems, including the AGM-158B-2 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, for $1.77 billion.
Apart from government sales, the value of authorized private commercial contracts (Direct Commercial Sales) amounted to $200.8 billion, an increase of 27.5% compared to the previous year. Among the most significant contracts were agreements with Italy and the Netherlands for designing a final assembly plant for the F-35, which cost $6.7 billion, and with Japan for F135 engines, which cost $2.3 billion.
The increase in the value of arms transfers and defense trade reflects a growing demand for American military technology in the face of global tensions and threats. The United States continues its policy of supporting its allies and partners by providing modern military equipment to strengthen regional and international security.
