Russian, French, Belgian, and German companies, too, are pushing the envelope. Most manufacturers cannot survive by supplying the military market alone. For instance, the U.S. armed forces expect that their current small arms procurement needs will be met by 2003 and the OICW will have a relatively small production run. In the aftermath of the Cold War, many manufacturers have placed their hopes on commercial sales-and on selling arms to police and other law enforcement agencies. Belgium's Fabrique Nationale has been struggling with huge debts since the 1980s, requiring large-scale financial assistance from the government.
Civilians are the primary victims of war, but they have also become the principal combatants.