Military Exports A Source Of Friction Between The U.S. And Europe

Rendering of Northrop Grumman Corp.'s KC-45 refueling tanker. The plane would be assembled in Mobile if selected by the U.S. Air Force. (Northrop image)

US-Europe Tensions Rise Over Arms Deals, Exports -- Reuters

LONDON, March 10 (Reuters) - The United States and Europe face growing tensions over restrictions on export deals involving BAE Systems (BAES.L) while European politicians protest the collapse of efforts to sell aerial tankers to the United States.

The U.S. State Department said on Tuesday it would delay action on any new export license requests by BAE Systems (BAES.L) after the British military contractor pleaded guilty to violating several U.S. laws.

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Update: Trans-Atlantic Defense Deals Falter -- Wall Street Journal

My Comment: There have been many trade disputes before, but the dollar amounts involved are huge and its impacts on a country's economy cannot be underestimated.

Expect more "problems" when the F-35 program is online, as well as many other smaller but significant defense contracts.