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Origin

United States

The United States became the world's dominant arms producer from WWII onward. American weapons including the M1 Garand, M1911 pistol, M16 rifle, M4 carbine, and a vast array of artillery, aircraft, and naval weapons have defined modern warfare and been exported to militaries worldwide.

Overview

The United States entered the 19th century as a minor military power and ended the 20th as the world's dominant one, with an arms industry whose output in scope, quality, and innovation has shaped modern warfare globally. American weapons have been exported to allies and adversaries alike, and many — the M1911, M1 Garand, M16, .30-06 cartridge, and others — are among the most influential designs in history.

Small Arms Milestones

Pistols

Rifles

Machine Guns

Artillery and Heavy Weapons

Aviation and Missiles

Nuclear Arsenal

The United States developed the first nuclear weapons (Manhattan Project, 1945) and maintains a triad of land-based ICBMs (Minuteman III), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (Trident II), and strategic bombers (B-52, B-2).

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Battles & Operations

Weapons