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Wars are no longer fought just over ideological divisions or territorial disputes—control over weapon supplies has become a key factor in determining the course of conflicts. Both legal and illicit arms sales influence the balance of power, making arms transfers a crucial element in understanding global dynamics, regional tensions, and the strategies of nations and non-state actors alike.
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The global arms trade market is a multibillion-dollar industry, generating well over US$632 billion yearly, encompassing a wide range of products, advanced technology systems, sophisticated military hardware, and cutting-edge defense technologies.
The United States, Russia, France, China, and Germany dominate this market, selling everything from advanced fighter jets and missiles to small arms and ammunition.
Behind this trade are complex networks of defense contractors and governments working together to meet demands for military equipment. Government officials work with manufacturers and suppliers to facilitate the production, distribution, and sale of military goods. Defense contractors, from large multinational corporations to smaller, specialized firms, play a key role in producing this weaponry.
In addition to governments, defense contractors greatly influence geopolitical dynamics. Defense contractors play key roles in supplying military equipment and services to entities around the world.
American aerospace and defense manufacturer Lockheed Martin is known for producing aircraft, missiles, space systems, and advanced technologies, including the F-35 Lightning II, one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.
Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II is being used by the Israeli Defense Forces in regional military operations. In addition to the use of fighter jets, missile defense systems are being used by Saudi Arabia in their ongoing conflict with Yemen.
Over a century old, Boeing is one of the largest aerospace companies in the world. Its military division is crucial to the American company's operations. Boeing is known for their manufacturing of military aircraft, satellites, and missile systems.
Boeing has supplied the US military with advanced aircraft systems, which have been used in Afghanistan and Iraq. Boeing also provides military forces with logistical support services and real-time data sharing.
Raytheon manufactures missiles, radar systems, and electronic warfare systems. The American company holds a long-standing reputation for providing advanced solutions that enhance military capabilities.
One of Raytheon's most famous tools is called the Patriot missile defense system, which has been used by countries like Turkey and in Eastern Europe.
American company Northrop Grumman is known for unmanned aerospace and defense technologies, including the Global Hawk drone and the B-21 Raider bomber.
Northrop's technology has been used by the Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza and in other regional military operations, as well as by South Korea.
Known for innovation and engineering expertise, American company General Dynamics produces reconnaissance vehicles and ground combat vehicles, among others.
General Dynamics' vehicles have been used by US military forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as in Eastern Europe. Pictured here is the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a fighter aircraft developed by General Dynamics.
The United States, for example, uses arms sales as a key part of its foreign policy, supplying military equipment to Israel and other allies to create strategic relationships.
Countries like Russia and China export arms to countries in the Middle East, Africa, South America and Southeast Asia to enhance their role in regional power struggles.
While many arms sales are legal, the black market also plays a significant role in the industry. In contexts experiencing violent unrest, arms trafficking networks thrive, supplying weapons outside any regulatory frameworks.
In Syria, rebel groups have acquired weapons via various smuggling routes through Turkey. The complexity of multiple factions and foreign interests has allowed the arms black market to thrive.
In the Central African Republic, both rebel groups and government forces rely on the black market for access to weapons of all kinds, from small arms to military vehicles.
In Ukraine, illicit military supplies are increasingly emerging from neighboring countries. As the war with Russia continues to escalate, various armed groups have turned to clandestine options to obtain equipment.
As weapons make their way into conflict zones, the lines between national security, regional stability, and human rights become indistinguishable.
Countries that sell weapons to nations with weak human rights records face backlash for enabling violence against civilians, as arms sales undermine the possibility to conduct long-term ceasefires and achieve lasting peace agreements.
Weapons empower governments and other actors to assert their influence while fueling violence in many regions. The circulation of arms alters the balance of power between those engaged in military actions.
By viewing arms sales as tools of influence, we can better understand the broader impacts on peace processes, global stability, and the state of human rights.
The United States in particular has been implicated in several controversial arms sales cases that have attracted significant domestic and global criticism.
American arms sales to Saudi Arabia have contributed to the ongoing conflict in Yemen, which has caused extensive civilian casualties, humanitarian crises, and significant infrastructural destruction.
The US is the primary supplier of military aid to Israel, providing advanced weaponry and exercising significant military expenditure to the country.
Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the impact of US weapons on civilian populations during Israeli military operations in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Yemen.
While supporters assert that arms sales are successful in serving national security interests and strengthening alliances, there are potential consequences that may be connected to arms. It remains a major concern that the circulation and use of these weapons may further conflict, promote human rights abuses, and undermine global stability.
Sources: (DW) (Human Rights Watch) (CNN) (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) (United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs) (The New York Times) (The Arms Trade Treaty)
See also: The longest and shortest wars in history
How the global arms trade shapes conflicts and influences world politics
Viewing global conflict through arms sales
LIFESTYLE Global trade
Wars are no longer fought just over ideological divisions or territorial disputes—control over weapon supplies has become a key factor in determining the course of conflicts. Both legal and illicit arms sales influence the balance of power, making arms transfers a crucial element in understanding global dynamics, regional tensions, and the strategies of nations and non-state actors alike.
Curious to know more? Click through this gallery for more information.