Top Weapons Exporters and Importers in the World

Top weapons exporters:

• United States
• Russia
• Germany
• China
• France

Top weapons importers:

• India
• China
• Pakistan
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia

Source: SIPRI (economist.com/Twitter/@ianbremmer, 17 August 2014)

Oman Buys Typhoon Jet Fighters

Substantial Number of Aircraft Being Sold to Persian Gulf Countries

Britain’s BAE Systems today signed a contract worth around $4.1 billion to supply 20 fighter jets to Oman. The contract provided for the delivery of 12 Typhoon and eight Hawk aircraft to Oman starting in 2017. (AFP, 21 December)

BAE is also expected soon to finalize the pricing issues with Saudi Arabia to deliver 72 Typhoons to the Kingdom. Saudis have also signaled their readiness to place another substantial order for Typhoons on top of the 72 jet order.

BAE officials have also said the United Arab Emirates has shown interest in placing an order for up to 60 Typhoons.

Photo credit: British-made Typhoon fighter (winncad.blogspot.com)

U.S. to Sell THAAD Missile Systems to Qatar, UAE

The U.S. has cleared the sale of up to $7.6 billion in missile-defense systems to Qatar and the UAE, Reuters reported today. The Persian Gulf countries had requested the purchase of Lockheed Martin’s Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THADD) systems. (Reuters, 6 November)

Under the agreement announced by the Pentagon on Monday, Qatar will receive two THAAD fire units, 12 launchers, 150 interceptors, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $6.5 billion. The UAE will receive 48 THAAD missiles, 9 launchers and other equipment valued at $1.135 billion in addition to an initial order for $1.96 billion of THAAD weapons systems signed in December.

THAAD is a U.S. Army system designed to shoot down short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles with an interceptor that slams into its target. It can accept cues from Lockheed's Aegis weapons system, satellites and other external sensors, and works in tandem with the PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 terminal air-defense missile. THAAD includes its own radar along with interceptors and communications and fire control units. (Reuters)

The sale will deepen Washington’s cooperation with Persian Gulf nations on missile defense and increase pressure on Iran.

Photo credit: The THAAD weapon system (Lockheed Martin/army-technology.com)