January13, 2007:
Israels arms sales last year were $4.5 billion. This is about ten
percent of all arms exports sales, world-wide, and makes Israel the fourth
largest exporter (behind the U.S., Britain and Russia). The U.S. has, since the
end of the Cold War, accounted for about a third of world arms sales, but
Israeli sales have been constantly rising. About a third of Israel's sales last
year were to one customer; India. Since 2002, Israel has sold $4.3
billion worth of weapons to India. About ten percent of the sales to India are
for Barak anti-missile systems for ships. The Barak system uses small missiles
to shoot down incoming anti-ship missiles. Israel weapons have a solid
reputation for reliability and effectiveness. Israeli success in several wars
adds to the appeal of their armaments. U.S. and Israeli arms manufacturers
often work together, which also gives Israel an edge when selling their
equipment.