The US no longer the "Lord of War"

[kumquatq3]

France? WTF?

 

Russia, France overtake US as top arms sellers

 

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States has ceded to Russia and France last year its role of the top arms supplier to the developing world as it failed to take full advantage of emerging markets and opportunities created by booming oil prices, according to a new congressional study.

 

The annual report by the Congressional Research Service showed the US share of the arms transfer market dropped from 35.4 percent to 20.5 percent between 2004 and 2005.

 

In monetary terms, the value of these deals fell from 9.4 billion dollars to about 6.2 billion.

 

By contrast, Russia made last year seven billion dollars selling weaponry to Asia, Africa and Latin America, a notable increase from 5.4 billion the year before.

 

This successful deal making has propelled Russia to the position of the top arms supplier to the developing world, the report said on Sunday.

 

France rose to second place, inking last year 6.3 billion dollars worth of deals for delivery of military hardware, up from just one billion dollars in agreements in 2004.

 

Frances success, the study said, was attributable to a 3.5-billion-dollar agreement with India for the sale of six Scorpene diesel attack submarines.

 

US congressional experts also predicted that an aggressive sales pitch by Paris could eventually collide with key interests of the United States and its allies as France usually pursued its national interests rather than

NATO alliance considerations.

 

"So the potential exists for policy differences between the United States and major West European supplying states over conventional weapons transfers to specific countries," warned Richard Grimmett, the main author of the report.

 

Russia's rise to the pinnacle of the world arms business was fueled by its booming trade with two emerging Asian giants -- Indian and China -- as well as

Iran, a controversial client whose buying power was nonetheless greatly enhanced by high oil prices.

 

Last year, Russia agreed to sell India 24 SA-19 air defense systems for 400 million dollars as well as Smerch multiple-launch rocket systems for about 500 million, according to the report.

 

Moscow will also overhaul an Indian diesel submarine for about 100 million, and to provide India with BrahMos anti-ship missiles.

 

In addition to fulfilling its long-term sales agreement with China for Su-27 fighter jets, destroyers and submarines, Russia also agreed last year to sell China 30 IL-76TD military transport aircraft and eight aerial refueling tankers for more than one billion dollars, the document said.

 

New arms deals between Moscow and Beijing also include sales of various military aircraft engines worth more than 1.2 billion dollars.

 

"These arms acquisitions by China are apparently aimed at enhancing its military projection capabilities in Asia, and its ability to influence events throughout the region," Grimmett noted.

 

Meanwhile, Iran, fearing airstrikes against its nuclear facilities, is buying from Russia 29 SA-15 Gauntlet air defense systems for over 700 million.

 

Moscow, the report said, also agreed last year to upgrade Irans Su-24 and Mig-29 aircraft as well as their T-72 main battle tanks.

 

The US fall to third place was explained by a scarcity of new expensive contracts.

 

The largest US 2005 deal involved upgrading AH-64A Apache helicopters for the United Arab Emirates for a total of over 740 million dollars.

 

While noting that China's 2005 arms sales total was a modest 2.1 billion dollars, the report pointed out that Iran and

North Korea were reportedly among clients receiving Chinese missile technology.

 

The document, therefore, warned that "China can present an obstacle to efforts to stem proliferation of advanced missile systems."

 

The CRS usually delivers its reports to interested lawmakers rather than the public.

 

The arms trade study was sent to legislators last week and obtained by AFP late Saturday.

[Arkan]

Uh...Good?

[Gorth]

I think this is what democracy and market economy is all about... :)"

[metadigital]

In monetary terms, the value of these deals fell from 9.4 billion dollars to about 6.2 billion.

...

France rose to second place, inking last year 6.3 billion dollars worth of deals for delivery of military hardware, up from just one billion dollars in agreements in 2004.

 

Frances success, the study said, was attributable to a 3.5-billion-dollar agreement with India for the sale of six Scorpene diesel attack submarines.

Meh, France had a lucky year; I'm sure the US will bounce back next year. "

[Walsingham]

I might take this opportunity to smugly point out that contrary to my favourite comedian, Bill Hicks, it was France and Russia who predominantly armed Saddam. Curiously the same people who made a principled stand against the liberation of the Iraqi people.

 

*ducks hurled bodycount*

[taks]

politics are rife with hypocrisy. particularly when politicians are involved.

 

taks

[Hildegard]

I might take this opportunity to smugly point out that contrary to my favourite comedian, Bill Hicks, it was France and Russia who predominantly armed Saddam. Curiously the same people who made a principled stand against the liberation of the Iraqi people.

 

*ducks hurled bodycount*

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

The entire west, along with Russia and China sold weapons to Saddam because back in the 80s he was your buddy, but buddies of the west have a tendency of changing along with geopolitical, economic and other interests...take for an example your UK:

 

UK firms that sold arms to Iraq

 

Key: A -- nuclear, B -- biological, C -- chemical, R -- rocket, K -- conventional

 

# Euromac Ltd-UK (A)

 

# C Plath-Nuclear (A)

 

# Endshire Export Marketing (A)

 

# International Computer Systems (A, R, K)

 

# MEED International (A, C)

 

# Walter Somers Ltd. ®

 

# International Computer Limited (A, K)

 

# Matrix Churchill Corp. (A)

 

# Ali Ashour Daghir (A)

 

# International Military Services ®

 

# Sheffield Forgemasters ®

 

# Technology Development Group ®

 

# International Signal and Control ®

 

# Inwako (A)

 

# TMG Engineering (K)

 

# XYY Options, Inc (A)

 

LINK

 

 

 

*As far as the on topic goes: Afghanistan and Iraq at the present are far enough to consume the large majority of US weapons and relaited material supply, therefor the exports are down...but with the current operations the US spends around 700 billion dollars on defence making them not Lord but God of war....

[Dark_Raven]

We the people of the United States only desire peace. Make love not war.

[Walsingham]

I'm not up on the non-conventional weapons. BUt he report I saw on an Iranian website seemed to indicate dual use technology being sold to Iraq. Stuff which could be used for general research. As opposed to thousands of tanks, and SCUDS to deliver the materiel. Correct me and give me a slap if I'm wrong.

 

The source of my data is SIPRI, btw. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Look for the 1993-1996 yearbooks.

 

As for the money in dollars the US spends, one could also point that they spend less in GDP terms than a great many people.

 

Incidentally, I heard last year that Europe spend more on cosmetics than on defence. Does that makes us Lords of Vanity? "

[Jorian Drake]

russian and french economy gets better, this will lead to an increase in imperialistic dreamers.

[metadigital]

Incidentally, I heard last year that Europe spend more on cosmetics than on defence. Does that makes us Lords of Vanity?  "

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes.

[Jorian Drake]

Incidentally, I heard last year that Europe spend more on cosmetics than on defence. Does that makes us Lords of Vanity?  "

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

don't forget the lot of tourists who buy cosmetics (and anything else) in europe, even if its the same as by them at home.

[metadigital]

Incidentally, I heard last year that Europe spend more on cosmetics than on defence. Does that makes us Lords of Vanity?  "

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

don't forget the lot of tourists who buy cosmetics (and anything else) in europe, even if its the same as by them at home.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

... And those Europeans on holiday in the rest of the world!

[Darque]

We the people of the United States only desire peace. Make love not war.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

roffle

[astr0creep]

I think the question is:

 

Is the US still the undefeatted Lord of Destruction and Master of Sending-the-Reconstruction-Bill-to-Other-Countries?

 

"

[Walsingham]

It's their turn.

[metadigital]

[Craigboy2]

France? WTF?

 

Russia, France overtake US as top arms sellers

 

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States has ceded to Russia and France last year its role of the top arms supplier to the developing world as it failed to take full advantage of emerging markets and opportunities created by booming oil prices, according to a new congressional study.

 

The annual report by the Congressional Research Service showed the US share of the arms transfer market dropped from 35.4 percent to 20.5 percent between 2004 and 2005.

 

In monetary terms, the value of these deals fell from 9.4 billion dollars to about 6.2 billion.

 

By contrast, Russia made last year seven billion dollars selling weaponry to Asia, Africa and Latin America, a notable increase from 5.4 billion the year before.

 

This successful deal making has propelled Russia to the position of the top arms supplier to the developing world, the report said on Sunday.

 

France rose to second place, inking last year 6.3 billion dollars worth of deals for delivery of military hardware, up from just one billion dollars in agreements in 2004.

 

Frances success, the study said, was attributable to a 3.5-billion-dollar agreement with India for the sale of six Scorpene diesel attack submarines.

 

US congressional experts also predicted that an aggressive sales pitch by Paris could eventually collide with key interests of the United States and its allies as France usually pursued its national interests rather than

NATO alliance considerations.

 

"So the potential exists for policy differences between the United States and major West European supplying states over conventional weapons transfers to specific countries," warned Richard Grimmett, the main author of the report.

 

Russia's rise to the pinnacle of the world arms business was fueled by its booming trade with two emerging Asian giants -- Indian and China -- as well as

Iran, a controversial client whose buying power was nonetheless greatly enhanced by high oil prices.

 

Last year, Russia agreed to sell India 24 SA-19 air defense systems for 400 million dollars as well as Smerch multiple-launch rocket systems for about 500 million, according to the report.

 

Moscow will also overhaul an Indian diesel submarine for about 100 million, and to provide India with BrahMos anti-ship missiles.

 

In addition to fulfilling its long-term sales agreement with China for Su-27 fighter jets, destroyers and submarines, Russia also agreed last year to sell China 30 IL-76TD military transport aircraft and eight aerial refueling tankers for more than one billion dollars, the document said.

 

New arms deals between Moscow and Beijing also include sales of various military aircraft engines worth more than 1.2 billion dollars.

 

"These arms acquisitions by China are apparently aimed at enhancing its military projection capabilities in Asia, and its ability to influence events throughout the region," Grimmett noted.

 

Meanwhile, Iran, fearing airstrikes against its nuclear facilities, is buying from Russia 29 SA-15 Gauntlet air defense systems for over 700 million.

 

Moscow, the report said, also agreed last year to upgrade Irans Su-24 and Mig-29 aircraft as well as their T-72 main battle tanks.

 

The US fall to third place was explained by a scarcity of new expensive contracts.

 

The largest US 2005 deal involved upgrading AH-64A Apache helicopters for the United Arab Emirates for a total of over 740 million dollars.

 

While noting that China's 2005 arms sales total was a modest 2.1 billion dollars, the report pointed out that Iran and

North Korea were reportedly among clients receiving Chinese missile technology.

 

The document, therefore, warned that "China can present an obstacle to efforts to stem proliferation of advanced missile systems."

 

The CRS usually delivers its reports to interested lawmakers rather than the public.

 

The arms trade study was sent to legislators last week and obtained by AFP late Saturday.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We'll still be blamed for it.

[Jorian Drake]

France? WTF?

 

Russia, France overtake US as top arms sellers

 

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States has ceded to Russia and France last year its role of the top arms supplier to the developing world as it failed to take full advantage of emerging markets and opportunities created by booming oil prices, according to a new congressional study.

 

The annual report by the Congressional Research Service showed the US share of the arms transfer market dropped from 35.4 percent to 20.5 percent between 2004 and 2005.

 

In monetary terms, the value of these deals fell from 9.4 billion dollars to about 6.2 billion.

 

By contrast, Russia made last year seven billion dollars selling weaponry to Asia, Africa and Latin America, a notable increase from 5.4 billion the year before.

 

This successful deal making has propelled Russia to the position of the top arms supplier to the developing world, the report said on Sunday.

 

France rose to second place, inking last year 6.3 billion dollars worth of deals for delivery of military hardware, up from just one billion dollars in agreements in 2004.

 

Frances success, the study said, was attributable to a 3.5-billion-dollar agreement with India for the sale of six Scorpene diesel attack submarines.

 

US congressional experts also predicted that an aggressive sales pitch by Paris could eventually collide with key interests of the United States and its allies as France usually pursued its national interests rather than

NATO alliance considerations.

 

"So the potential exists for policy differences between the United States and major West European supplying states over conventional weapons transfers to specific countries," warned Richard Grimmett, the main author of the report.

 

Russia's rise to the pinnacle of the world arms business was fueled by its booming trade with two emerging Asian giants -- Indian and China -- as well as

Iran, a controversial client whose buying power was nonetheless greatly enhanced by high oil prices.

 

Last year, Russia agreed to sell India 24 SA-19 air defense systems for 400 million dollars as well as Smerch multiple-launch rocket systems for about 500 million, according to the report.

 

Moscow will also overhaul an Indian diesel submarine for about 100 million, and to provide India with BrahMos anti-ship missiles.

 

In addition to fulfilling its long-term sales agreement with China for Su-27 fighter jets, destroyers and submarines, Russia also agreed last year to sell China 30 IL-76TD military transport aircraft and eight aerial refueling tankers for more than one billion dollars, the document said.

 

New arms deals between Moscow and Beijing also include sales of various military aircraft engines worth more than 1.2 billion dollars.

 

"These arms acquisitions by China are apparently aimed at enhancing its military projection capabilities in Asia, and its ability to influence events throughout the region," Grimmett noted.

 

Meanwhile, Iran, fearing airstrikes against its nuclear facilities, is buying from Russia 29 SA-15 Gauntlet air defense systems for over 700 million.

 

Moscow, the report said, also agreed last year to upgrade Irans Su-24 and Mig-29 aircraft as well as their T-72 main battle tanks.

 

The US fall to third place was explained by a scarcity of new expensive contracts.

 

The largest US 2005 deal involved upgrading AH-64A Apache helicopters for the United Arab Emirates for a total of over 740 million dollars.

 

While noting that China's 2005 arms sales total was a modest 2.1 billion dollars, the report pointed out that Iran and

North Korea were reportedly among clients receiving Chinese missile technology.

 

The document, therefore, warned that "China can present an obstacle to efforts to stem proliferation of advanced missile systems."

 

The CRS usually delivers its reports to interested lawmakers rather than the public.

 

The arms trade study was sent to legislators last week and obtained by AFP late Saturday.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We'll still be blamed for it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don' think the Obsidian Community could be blamed for it

Edited November 4, 2006 by jorian

[Arkan]

I don' think the Obsidian Community could be blamed for it 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

HURRR DURRR HURRR.

[Walsingham]

Actually, Fio regularly brokers deals for the Burmese junta. They call Fio 'Bob'. Look it up if you don't believe me.