Britain was the world’s largest arms exporter in 2008, winning £10bn in new defence orders from overseas.

According to figures released by the Defence and Security Organisation, the UK took a 33% share of the world export market.

In 2006, export orders totalled £5.5bn.

Saudi Arabia was the world’s biggest importer, spending $31bn, followed by India with $18bn and the US at $17bn.

By staff writer