The sale of conventional military weapons across the world was nearly $37 billion in 2004—about $8 billion higher than the previous year, according to a recent Congressional Research Service report. The US share was about 34 percent, less than in most recent years. Russia came in second, with Britain, Israel, and France ringing in at three, four, and five. The big buyer among developing countries? China. Act surprised.
A semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone shot down an air-to-air target in a Dec. 8 test supported by the U.S. Air Force, a notable milestone in the development of the loyal wingman-type drones that will join the fleets of the USAF, other American services, and allies and adversaries.
