US weapons sales abroad hit record high in 2023, boosted by Ukraine war

Overseas sales of US weapons experienced a significant surge last year, reaching a historic high of $238 billion (£187 billion), primarily fueled by increased demand following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The US government directly negotiated $81bn in sales, a 56% increase from 2022, the State Department reported.

The rest were direct sales by US defence companies to foreign nations.

Poland situated adjacent to Ukraine and currently undertaking a military expansion initiative, emerged as one of the prominent buyers. Among its substantial purchases were Apache helicopters for $12 billion, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (Himars) for $10 billion, and M1A1 Abrams tanks for $3.75 billion, as detailed in the report covering the US government’s fiscal year ending in October.