Arms Transfer Data Sources

Abstract

Different issues related to arms transfers demand differing arms transfer data. At the moment, there are two sources available that aggregate data on military expenditures: the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA). The data given cover only part of the requirements for comprehensive arms trade data. SIPRI's definition is too limited to be of much value for serious research into the economic and social consequences of the arms build-up. ACDA, on the other hand, has a very serious coverage problem. Both sources are very confusing on pricing arms transfers. All in all, there is no good source on arms transfers on which detailed studies or judgments can be based.