7. Transfers of major conventional weapons

BJÖRN HAGELIN, PIETER D. WEZEMAN AND SIMON T. WEZEMAN

Summary

Overall, major conventional arms transfers in 1999 remained at a much lower level than during the cold war. The generally dominant position of the USA is reflected in its position as the major arms supplier, accounting in 1995–99 for almost as much as all other suppliers combined. Russia followed with less than 30% of the US level. France, the UK and Germany were the next largest suppliers in 1995–99. However, France was a larger supplier than Russia in 1997 and 1998.

The largest recipient in 1995–99 was Taiwan, followed by Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The USA was the major supplier for all three countries.

On the basis of government and industry reports, SIPRI estimated the global financial value of the international arms trade in 1998 to be in the range of $35–$49 billion. Several considerations affect a decision to supply, or not to supply, major weapons. For most arms producers, commercial considerations are or have become more important. This is clearly one factor which complicates the creation of a balanced transatlantic military trade that is politically, economically and otherwise acceptable on both sides of the Atlantic.

The increasing importance of commercial considerations has led to more competition and therefore recipient leverage. This is part of the explanation why arms embargoes, while reducing arms transfers, are not sufficient to stop such transfers. In 1999 six of the main recipients of weapons from the major suppliers were involved in major armed conflicts. Suppliers are not reluctant to re-supply parties located in areas of, or even involved in, conflicts, whether allies, friends, or old or new customers.