LONDON — BAE Systems , the U.K.'s largest defense contractor, has established trading relationships with countries accused of human rights abuses, according to a new report that reveals the extensive reach of its lucrative arms business.
Included in those are 13 countries on the U.K.'s human rights abuse watchlist, as well as 29 countries whose military actions have injured or killed civilians.
It comes as BAE Systems sales have surged, hitting £194 billion ($242 billion) in the 10 years to 2022, with cumulative operating profits totalling £17 billion over the period, according to the report.
The report said the booming trade highlighted how some defense companies were profiting from the lucrative arms trade amid rising global instability.
"We know it's a bonanza right now for military sales," Overton said Tuesday, during a press briefing for the report's release.
Persons:
Joseph Rowntree, Iain Overton, Overton
Organizations:
BAE Systems, Joseph, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, BAE, CNBC