During 1996, the Pentagon assisted U.S. weapons manufactures at an estimated cost of $2.7 million by providing its equipment and personnel at 9 air shows and arms bazaars around the world. Section 1082 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993, prohibits expenditure of Pentagon funds to participate in air shows and arms bazaars unless it is in the national security interest of the United States.

Here is a listing of the events, locations, dates, and Defense Department cost estimates for its participation. The national security justifications provided in the Pentagon's Congressional notifications are that participation "will contribute to foreign policy and defense objectives by underscoring our continuing interest in maintaining a strong political and military presence in the region," while it also "demonstrates continued support to the region, promotes regional access, and furthers military-to-military contacts."

Cost estimates are kept low by coordinating training missions (which provides equipment for display) and troop assignments (which provides personnel to explain the equipment's uses and abilities) to air show schedules and the needs of the U.S. weapons industry.