US arms exports have surged dramatically, with sales expected to exceed $100 billion by the end of 2024. In just a few years, the value of these exports has soared from $49.7 billion in 2022 to over $80 billion this year alone. Major deals include advanced weaponry for countries like Poland, Germany, and Japan, with billions of dollars in new contracts for things like helicopters, tanks, and missile systems. This explosive growth highlights America’s dominant role in global arms sales, with significant increases in sales to Europe and Asia, and sets the stage for even more massive deals in the future.

Since 2022, the United States has significantly increased its arms exports, and by the end of this year, these exports might exceed $100 billion, according to the Pentagon. Here’s a closer look at this dramatic rise and what it means:

A Surge in Arms Sales

• 2022: The US sold $49.7 billion in military equipment and services through its Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system. This was a big jump from $34.8 billion in 2021.
• 2023: Sales increased again to about $66.2 billion.
• 2024: So far this year, sales have already reached over $80 billion, with the possibility of surpassing $100 billion by December.

The total amount spent on weapons, services, and security cooperation in 2023 was $80.9 billion, up 56% from $51.9 billion in 2022.

Major Deals in 2024

The US State Department has announced several major arms deals this year:

Poland:

• Apache Helicopters: $12 billion
• HIMARS Rocket Systems: $10 billion
• Air and Missile Defense Systems: $4 billion
• Abrams Tanks: $3.75 billion

Germany:

• Chinook Helicopters: $8.5 billion
• Advanced Air-to-Air Missiles: $2.9 billion

Norway:

• MH-60R Helicopters: $1 billion

Czech Republic:

• F-35 Aircraft and Munitions: $5.62 billion

Bulgaria:

• Stryker Vehicles: $1.5 billion

Australia:

• C-130J Aircraft: $6.35 billion

Canada:

• P-8A Aircraft: $5.9 billion

South Korea:

• F-35 Aircraft: $5.06 billion
• Chinook Helicopters: $1.5 billion

Japan:

• Advanced Early Warning Aircraft: $1.381 billion

Kuwait:

• Air Defense Systems: $3 billion
• Technical Support: $1.8 billion

Qatar:

• Unmanned Aircraft Defense System: $1 billion

Private Sales Boom

In addition to government deals, private sales between foreign countries and US defense contractors have also soared:

• 2022: $153.6 billion
• 2023: $157.5 billion

Some notable private deals in 2023 included:

• Italy: F-35 Wing Assemblies – $2.8 billion
• India: Engine Hardware – $1.8 billion
• Singapore: Propulsion System – $1.2 billion
• Saudi Arabia: Patriot Guided Missiles – $1 billion

Global Trends

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), US arms exports have been growing:

• 2014-2018: US arms exports rose by 17% compared to the previous years.
• 2019-2023: The US share of global arms exports increased from 34% to 42%. The US sold major arms to 107 countries, more than the next two largest exporters combined.

The biggest buyers of US arms are in the Middle East, with 38% of sales going to countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Israel. Sales to Asia and Oceania rose by 14%, with Japan, South Korea, and Australia being key customers. Europe’s purchases jumped over 200%, with Ukraine receiving a notable portion.

Looking ahead, SIPRI predicts that US arms exports will continue to grow, focusing on combat aircraft, tanks, artillery, missile systems, and warships.