US arms exports hit historic record in 2024: Turkey among top importers

The US Department of State has released a report on 2024 arms export data. The report stated that US military equipment sales to foreign governments increased by 29 percent, reaching a record level of 318.7 billion dollars.

The statement noted that arms sales and transfers are viewed as 'important US foreign policy tools with long-term potential impacts on regional and global security.'

In the statement from the US Department of State, it was expressed that military equipment sales to foreign governments in the 2024 fiscal year increased by 29 percent compared to the previous year, reaching a record of 318.7 billion dollars. It was stated that the largely increased global demand was primarily driven by 'countries' desire to replenish their stocks during ongoing geopolitical tensions.'

The F-16 fighter jets that Turkey imports from the US form the backbone of the Turkish Air Force

THE US SELLS MORE WEAPONS EVERY YEAR

While direct commercial military sales by US companies rose from 157.5 billion dollars in 2023 to 200.8 billion dollars, sales made through the US government increased from 80.9 billion dollars the previous year to 117.9 billion dollars.

Sales approved in 2024 include 23 billion dollars worth of F-16 jets and modernization kits for Turkey, 18.8 billion dollars worth of F-15 fighter jets for Israel, and 2.5 billion dollars worth of M1A2 Abrams tanks for Romania.

Foreign governments have two ways to purchase weapons from the US. The first is to conduct direct commercial sales negotiations with American defense companies, and the second is through military equipment sales facilitated by the US government.

News Source: İHA