Record surge in US arms sales amid global tensions and demand
In 2024, sales of American military equipment reached a record value of 318.7 billion dollars, representing a 29% increase compared to the previous year. The significant rise in demand is linked to 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 dollars in the fiscal year 2024, compared to 157.5 billion dollars in 2023. Transactions through the US government reached 117.9 billion dollars, up from 80.9 billion dollars 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 dollars. Israel purchased F-15 fighter jets for 18.8 billion dollars despite accusations of human rights violations in the Gaza Strip. Romania acquired M1A2 Abrams tanks for 2.5 billion dollars.
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. Defence 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, totalling over 845 billion dollars.
Americans selling weapons on a large scale
In the fiscal year 2024, the United States recorded a record increase in the value of arms transfers and defence trade, reaching 117.9 billion dollars 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 dollars, Israel purchased F-15IA and F-15I+ aircraft for 18.8 billion dollars, and Romania purchased F-35 aircraft for 7.2 billion dollars. Germany acquired PATRIOT missiles for 5 billion dollars, and Japan purchased KC-46A refueling aircraft for 4.1 billion dollars. Poland invested in various weapon systems, including the AGM-158B-2 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile for 1.77 billion dollars.
Apart from government sales, the value of authorized private commercial contracts (Direct Commercial Sales) amounted to 200.8 billion dollars, marking an increase of 27.5% compared to the previous year. Among the largest contracts were agreements with Italy and the Netherlands for the design of a final assembly plant for the F-35 for 6.7 billion dollars and with Japan for F135 engines for 2.3 billion dollars.
The increase in the value of arms transfers and defense trade highlights 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, aiming to strengthen regional and global security.
