US Defense Export System Faces Overhaul to Support Commercial Innovation

Congress is on the cusp of passing sweeping acquisition reform aimed at harnessing emerging technologies for US allies and partners. The reform efforts, driven by the Pentagon and Congress, seek to modernize the US defense export system and address the ‘Valley of Death’ faced by US tech startups. The changes aim to facilitate the transfer of emerging technologies, such as decentralized communications networks, 3D printers, and commercial drones, to foreign partners. The US government has taken steps to streamline the process, including the establishment of a new office for supporting non-program-of-record (NPOR) acquisitions. However, critics argue that more work is needed to fully integrate commercial and non-program-of-record technologies into deterrence strategies and the authorities and funding that support them. Breaking Defense reported on the development.