BAE Systems tops list as world's largest arms maker with sales of $32.4bn

E Systems has for the first time surpassed American firms to become the world's largest arms manufacturer, according to a new report. The British defence contractor has trumped US firms such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing to top global arms sales after selling $32.4 billion worth of weapons, including attack submarines, aircraft carriers and fighter jets in 2008. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute said the war in Afghanistan had boosted the company's fortunes through a massive order from the United States Army for 578 mine-resistant vehicles for use in both Iraq and Afghanistan.