An arms deal refers to a transaction or agreement involving the buying, selling, or trading of weapons, particularly military weapons and equipment, between two or more entities, such as governments, organizations, or individuals. The objective of an arms deal is to acquire weaponry either for the purpose of national defense, maintaining military capabilities, supporting allies, or for profit by arms manufacturers and suppliers.
Arms deals can encompass various types of weapons, including firearms, missiles, tanks, aircraft, naval vessels, artillery systems, and other advanced military technologies. Such transactions may involve both conventional and unconventional arms, including chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons.
The negotiation, execution, and implementation of an arms deal often involve extensive diplomatic discussions, confidential agreements, and complex legal frameworks, particularly if the weapons involved are subject to international regulations and export controls. Arms deals are usually guided by political, strategic, economic, or security considerations of the parties involved.
However, arms deals are sometimes subject to criticism due to concerns such as potential misuse of weapons, exacerbation of conflicts or regional tensions, involvement in illegal activities, human rights violations, or empowering non-state actors. Consequently, arms deals are often subject to scrutiny, regulation, and monitoring by international organizations, governments, and civil society groups.
