The U.S. State Department reports that arms sales to foreign governments skyrocketed by 29 percent in 2024, reaching an unprecedented $318.7 billion. This surge is largely driven by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and rising tensions worldwide, prompting military purchases that include $18.8 billion in F-15 fighter jets sold to Israel amidst serious allegations of human rights violations in Gaza.
The substantial increase in arms sales encompasses various major contracts, such as $23 billion for F-16 jets to Turkiye and $2.5 billion for M1A2 Abrams tanks to Romania. Despite concerns regarding U.S. complicity in human rights abuses linked to its weapons sales, the Biden administration emphasizes the role of these transactions as tools of foreign policy aimed at enhancing global security.
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