Like it or not, delegations from many countries will be heading to the UK in less than two weeks with that express purpose in mind. An admission by the Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook, that British-made Hawk jets had been used by Indonesian forces to fly over East Timor has brought the process into the spotlight. But the procedure of buying weapons is not a simple one. But as part of a voluntary agreement, companies can get clearance from the Department of Trade and Industry to hold talks.
Deals can take years to agree.
If a deal is made, the manufacturer must apply to the DTI for an export licence. If the issue is uncontroversial, the DTI may grant the licence. But if it is controversial, the DTI will circulate it to the Ministry of Defence, the Foreign Office and the Department for International Development. This is where considerations such as whether it is in the UK's strategic interests come in. If a licence is granted, the company is free to manufacture and ship the order.