ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the role of the United States as an importer and as an exporter of defense equipment. Defense contractors are facing fiscal constraints and potentially reduced orders from Department of Defense (DoD) for certain types of equipment. Lockheed Martin and Raytheon have been the designers of the majority of the US military's missile defense system and the increased concerns from other countries regarding the ballistic missiles in Iran and North Korea provide greater opportunities for international sales. Although manufacturers in other countries, such as China and Russia, are involved in the international competitions, they have not sold this type of equipment before to other countries and lack the historical background in sales and maintenance that US firms have. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) is another missile defense system and Lockheed Martin's first international customer for THAAD, which recently signed the contract, is the United Arab Emirates.
