AFP, STOCKHOLM: The Swedish arms trade is flourishing, with the armaments industry selling more weapons abroad in 2003 than at any time since the 1980s, media reported on Tuesday.
Citing from a government report to parliament, they said weapons exports totalled 6.5 billion kronor (705 million euros, 870 million dollars) last year, more than 2002 and 2001 sales put together.
Sales to the United States rose by a third, and to Britain more than six-fold. The report said rising demand from both countries was not directly linked to the Iraq war, but stemmed from orders placed previously.
Switzerland was Sweden's biggest client, accounting for nearly one-fifth of Swedish weapons exports.
Weapon exports to countries accused of human rights violations by the Swedish foreign ministry also rose strongly, especially to India, Thailand, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.
