US arms exports hit record in 2024 on Ukraine-related demand

Posted on

US military equipment sales to foreign governments reached a record $318.7 billion in 2024, marking a 29% increase, according to the State Department. This surge is driven by countries replenishing stockpiles sent to Ukraine and preparing for potential conflicts, significantly benefiting US defense contractors like Lockheed Martin. The Biden administration expects continued growth in weapons sales, further boosting the shares of defense manufacturers amid global instability. Notable deals in 2024 included $23 billion in F-16 jets and upgrades for Turkey, $18.8 billion in F-15 fighter jets for Israel, and $2.5 billion in M1A2 Abrams tanks for Romania. These figures underscore the growing demand for US military hardware worldwide.

Original news

Related Posts

NASA Issued Study Contracts to Examine Logistical Issues for a Long-Term Human Presence on the Moon

NASA has awarded $24 million in contracts to nine companies to study logistics for future human missions to the moon. These studies, part of the NextSTEP-2 program, aim to address gaps in NASA’s Moon to Mars Architecture, focusing on logistics carriers, surface cargo mobility, and trash management. Deputy Associate Administrator Nujoud Merancy emphasized the importance of these contracts for developing critical capabilities for the Artemis missions and supporting long-term lunar exploration. The studies are expected to conclude in about a year, offering solutions for the everyday needs of astronauts on the lunar surface. This initiative proceeds amid speculation about potential […]

Danish Defense Chair Urges NATO to Rethink U.S. Arms Purchases

Rasmus Jarlov, chairman of Denmark’s parliamentary defense committee, warned NATO countries against buying U.S. military equipment like Lockheed Martin’s F-35s, citing security risks over American control of spare parts. Jarlov expressed regret over Denmark’s 2016 decision to procure the F-35, for which 27 units were funded in 2017 and eight have been delivered. He argued that such dependency could compromise national sovereignty. His comments come amid rising concerns in Europe, with Portugal’s defense minister also questioning U.S. reliability. The remarks add to growing skepticism across the continent regarding future U.S.-supplied defense platforms. Original news

Canada Warns of U.S. Control Over F-35 Upgrades Amid Rising Tensions

The Canadian Department of National Defence has warned that the U.S. will control software and hardware upgrades for Canada’s new F-35 fleet. Officials dismissed concerns about a potential U.S. “kill switch”, stating that Canada will retain operational control over its jets. However, the warning comes amid rising tensions between Canada and the U.S., fueled by President Trump’s trade policies and rhetoric. Lockheed Martin was asked whether it had received assurances from the U.S. government regarding Canada’s continued access to upgrades. Company spokesperson Rebecca Miller reaffirmed Lockheed’s commitment to supporting F-35 customers with necessary system infrastructure and sustainment data. Original news