At least once a year attention momentarily turns to arms sales issues. That is when the Congressional Research Service releases its annual report, “Conventional Arms Sales to Developing Nations” by its venerable and meticulous analyst Richard F. Grimmett The most recent edition, covering the years 1996 through 2006 was released last week.

At last, we’re number one; something that at least some people in America can cheer about. USA, USA, USA! Hush while I recite some statistics:

In 2006, the United States led in arms transfer agreements worldwide, making agreements valued at $16.9 billion (41.9% of all such agreements),up from $13.5 billion in 2005. 

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In 2006, the United States ranked first in the value of all arms deliveries
worldwide, making $14 billion in such deliveries or 51.9%.  This is the eighth year in a row that the United States has led in global arms deliveries.

Lest you think that this is just a one time thing consider this:

Recently, from 2003-2006, the United States and Russia have dominated the arms market in the developing world, with the United States ranking first for 3 out of 4 years in the value of arms transfer agreements, with Russia ranking second for 3 out of these same four years.  From 2003-2006, the United States made $34.1 billion in arms transfer agreements with developing nations, in constant 2006 dollars, 32.4% of all such agreements. 

Of course, these statistics deal only with the legal, big league (tanks, planes, missiles et cetera) relatively open and transparent arms trade; the one where buyers and sellers mingle at tony saloons at prestigious arms shows in London, Paris, United Arab Emirates, Russia and many other parts of the world. Many of these weapons never see service in actual war. They just are part of the continuing “modernization” of militaries worldwide; not much different from buying a new car. (more…)