Data from the State Department indicates that the US government engaged in negotiations for sales totaling USD 81 billion in 2023, marking a remarkable 56 percent increase compared to the previous year.
The remaining gains were attributed to direct sales by US defense companies to various countries.
Poland played a prominent role as one of the leading buyers. The US government fiscal report, cited by the BBC, reveals that Poland secured USD 12 billion worth of Apache helicopters, USD 10 billion worth of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), and USD 3.75 billion worth of M1A1 Abrams tanks.
Additionally, Poland invested USD 4 billion in integrated air and missile defense command systems.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the continuation of Poland's military modernization program, emphasizing the goal of establishing the country as "the most powerful land force in Europe."
This drive, initiated by the country’s previous government, aims to enhance Poland's military capabilities as a deterrent against potential aggressors.
While Poland stands out as a significant buyer, other countries, both in Europe and beyond, also made substantial arms purchases from the United States.
Germany spent USD 8.5 billion on Chinook helicopters, Bulgaria invested USD 1.5 billion in Stryker armored vehicles, and Norway acquired USD 1 billion worth of multirole helicopters. The Czech Republic purchased F-35 fighter jets and munitions amounting to USD 5.6 billion.
Notably, countries outside Europe also participated in the arms market, with South Korea spending USD 5 billion on F-35 fighter jets and Australia investing USD 6.3 billion in C130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft. Japan secured a USD 1 billion contract for E-2D Hawkeye surveillance aircraft.
(jh/gs)
Source: Reuters, RMF24