ABSTRACT
The implication of the concentration of defence Research and Development outlays is that it clearly places the leading edge of defence technology in the hands of only a few producers. Control over technological resources is a key factor in determining which countries are likely to be in a position to occupy the early stages of the defence product cycle. Pressures on defence budgets have not been moderated by the national production frameworks through which cooperate. Both state procurement policy and production systems must be restructured if a semblance of fiscal control is to return to the weapon succession process. Fragmentation of the arms market is an inevitable consequence, and it leads to defence firms seeking solace as niche players. This state of affairs has come about as a sequel to the straitened global arms market following in the footsteps of economic recession.
