Korea Ranked 10th Largest Arms Buyer in 2006

Korean Information Service, Korea was the 10th largest weapons buyer in the world in 2006, its arms transfer agreements totaling $500 million, according to a report released Monday (Oct. 1) by the U.S. Congressional Research Service. 
 
The Asian nation ranked eighth in arms purchases between 1999-2006, with a total of $6.7 billion, said the report, “Conventional Arms Transfers to Developing Nations.” 
 
In actual arms deliveries, South Korea received $600 million worth in 2006, putting it ninth on the list of leading recipients. 
 
The total deliveries for 1999-2006 were valued at $7.8 billion. 
 
North Korea was the 10th largest arms supplier between 1999-2002, clinching agreements worth $1.2 billion during the period. It has since slipped out of the list that names the top 11 suppliers. 
 
Pakistan was the top buyer last year, with agreements valued at $5.1 billion, followed by India and Saudi Arabia. 
 
The United States was the largest supplier of weapons in 2006, accounting for 36 percent of total sales. Russia was next with 28 percent, followed by England at 11 percent.