International Arms Transfers

In: SIPRI yearbook: armaments, disarmament and international security, S. 373-465

Abstract

Since 1997 arms transfers have declined by about 33%. For the period 1997-2001 the USA was the dominant supplier, accounting for nearly half of all deliveries. Russia was the second largest supplier for the period, but for 2001 Russia was the largest supplier. Taiwan was the largest recipient for 1997-2001. For 2001 the People's Republic of China was by far the largest recipient. For 1997-2001 the most important arms transfers in terms of volume were between Taiwan & the US, & China & Russia. The list of main suppliers & main recipients has changed little over the past 10 years. India & Pakistan are both major recipients of arms. They have received weapons or have weapon acquisition plans that could be destabilizing. On the other side of the scale, small imports of weapons have strongly influenced the course of the war in Sierra Leone & relations between West African countries. Competition has increased the importance of offsets, including technology transfers. The Joint Strike Fighter project may point to an unbalanced future transatlantic market. 5 Tables, 1 Figure, 5 Appendixes. Adapted from the source document.