Arms race big shots

The US outsells almost all other nations put together at $26.9billion, then Russia on $7.2bn, France $5.2bn, Germany $4.36bn and UK $4bn. Saudi Arabia is the No1 importer, with $7.6bn.

Sales of 84 Rafales to Egypt, Qatar and India boosted French figures and in a weakening market it may overtake Russia in 2018.