US Arms Exports Hit Record $238 Billion in 2023 Amid Global Instability

Surge in demand driven by Ukraine conflict and global tensions, with Poland, Germany, Australia, and the Czech Republic among the biggest buyers.

US arms exports reached a record high of $238 billion in 2023, a 16% increase from 2022, driven by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and global instability.
Government-brokered sales accounted for $81 billion, a 56% increase from the previous year, with Poland, Germany, Australia, and the Czech Republic among the biggest buyers.
Poland made some of the largest purchases, including Apache helicopters for $12 billion, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems for $10 billion, and M1A1 Abrams tanks for $3.75 billion.
The surge in sales is seen as evidence of the failing Russian defense industry, which is being cut off from its own weapons trade.
US President Joe Biden has argued that US support in Ukraine boosts the domestic economy through arms sales.