Abstract

ROLO, José Manuel. New data on arms production and sales at a world level. Economia Global e Gestão [online]. 2009, vol.14, n.1, pp.97-111. ISSN 0873-7444.

Arms production and sales increased in recent years. Most of the growth came from US companies that have benefited from the continuing rise in US military spending. A few West European companies and some Russian aircraft and missile companies also increased their arms sales. The restructuring process of the arms industry also continued. The number of major merger and acquisition operations increased substantially. The largest deals were driven by US and UK companies. In Russia, the creation of three new conglomerates increased the direct control of the state over arms industry. R&D expenses in the industry also rose, mostly in the US, confirming the leadership of this country in the business. The future of arms production and sales is uncertain. In the short term, it is strongly dependent on the evolution of the global crisis. However R&D activities are expected to rise strongly.

Keywords : Defense Industries; Arms Production and Selling; Prime Contractors; Mergers & Acquisitions; Research & Development.

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