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.
The Air Force ramped up operations and maintenance spending to keep its F-35A fighters flying over the past six years, but readiness continues to lag behind goals, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.