Record surge in US arms sales sparks global security debate
In 2024, sales of American military equipment reached a record value of 319 billion US dollars, representing a 29% increase compared to the previous year. The 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 201 billion US dollars in the fiscal year 2024, compared to 158 billion US dollars in 2023. Transactions carried out through the US government reached 118 billion US dollars, up from 81 billion US 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 US dollars. Israel purchased F-15 fighter jets for 19 billion US dollars despite accusations of human rights violations in the Gaza Strip. Romania acquired M1A2 Abrams tanks for 3 billion US dollars.
Controversies and humanitarian aspects
The American journalistic organisation 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 emphasises using 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 US dollars.
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 defence trade, reaching 118 billion US dollars under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system. This is an increase of 46% 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 US dollars, Israel purchased F-15IA and F-15I+ aircraft for 19 billion US dollars, and Romania purchased F-35 aircraft for 7 billion US dollars. Germany acquired PATRIOT missiles for 5 billion US dollars, and Japan purchased KC-46A refuelling aircraft for 4 billion US dollars. Poland invested in various weapon systems, including the AGM-158B-2 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, for 2 billion US dollars.
Apart from government sales, authorised private commercial contracts (Direct Commercial Sales) amounted to 201 billion US dollars, an increase of 28% 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 for 7 billion US dollars and with Japan for F135 engines for 2 billion US dollars.
The increase in the value of arms transfers and defence 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.
