Systematically analyzes the components and drivers of the relationships that bind a government to its defense industrial base by examining three major case studies: the UK, US and Germany, which between them account for over three-quarters of NATO defense spending. The features of their defense industrial relationships - whether common or unique - provide lessons for policy-makers, industrialists and the taxpayer.

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Introduction -- Governments as customers of defence industries -- The state-defence industrial relationship: government as sponsor -- The regulation and control of defence businesses -- Implications of the government-defence industry relationship.