How Global Arms Sales Are Negotiated Is Changing

Air Force F-35s fly in formation over Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Photo: Air Force

Jill Aitoro, Defense News: A new future in global arms sales?

The last few years have seen a subtle transition in how the U.S., as the world’s dominant arms exporter, markets to the world.

Consider what we already know.

In Europe, there’s an expectation to filter more to local firms, whether through co-development or direct buys. There’s also demand for greater access into U.S. programs, and for that access to be on a level playing field.

And then there’s South Korea, now calling for foreign contractors to engage with domestic small and medium-sized enterprises. Financial support for its companies is important, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, but so is guidance that helps identify technologies that will make those domestic companies more marketable. Call it a mentorship of sorts.

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WNU Editor:  The U.S. has dominated global arms sales for years. But now everyone wants a piece of the action. My prediction .... expect joint ventures to be the standard when it comes to arms sales.