US foreign military sales topped $55B in 2018

By Kasim Ileri

WASHINGTON (AA) - The U.S. sold nearly $56 billion worth of military equipment to foreign nations in fiscal year 2018, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

In a statement, the agency said sales increased by 33 percent from the previous year.

"The total sales figure includes all sales executed through the FMS [Foreign Military Sales] program to include: $3.52 billion for cases funded by the State Department’s Foreign Military Financing Program; $4.42 billion for cases funded under Defense Department authorities; and $47.71 billion funded by partner nations," said the statement.

The U.S. sold nearly $42 billion in weapons to other countries in 2017.