Summary
Establishes a new strategy to use foreign arms sales to grow America's defense industry and support its foreign policy goals.
What problem does this solve?
Some believe that U.S. was not fully using its advantage in military equipment sales to benefit its own economy and industry. This order directs the government to use arms sales to build up American production and strengthen the defense industrial base.
Who does this affect?
- U.S. Defense Industry
- Foreign Allies and Partner Nations
- U.S. Department of War
What does this order do?
Establishes "America First Arms Transfer Strategy"
Creates a new national strategy to use arms sales as a tool for both foreign policy and to expand the U.S. defense industrial base.
Forms a new task force
Establishes the "Promoting American Military Sales Task Force" within 30 days to oversee the new strategy and improve accountability.
Creates a prioritized sales catalog
Requires the Secretary of War to create a list of preferred weapons and systems for allies to buy, to be submitted to the President within 120 days.
Streamlines sales processes
Orders a review of third-party transfer rules and improves monitoring of how weapons are used to make the sales process more efficient.
Increases transparency
Requires government departments to start publishing quarterly reports on the performance of military sales and export license approvals.
Amends previous executive order
Changes Executive Order 13637 to streamline the process for notifying Congress about arms sales, giving more authority to the Secretary of War.
Prioritizes certain partners
Gives preference in arms sales to partners who invest in their own defense, are in key locations, or help U.S. economic security.
What is the real world impact?
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Prioritizes economic gain over traditional diplomacy
Shifts the focus of arms sales from purely strategic alliances to also boosting the U.S. economy and defense manufacturing. This could lead to selling weapons to partners who don't align with U.S. values if the economic benefit is large enough.
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Strengthens the domestic defense industry
Uses money from foreign countries to pay for the expansion and improvement of American factories that build military equipment. This helps ensure the U.S. can produce what it needs for its own military and its allies.
When does this start?
This order takes effect on February 6, 2026, and sets several deadlines for government agencies to complete specific tasks within 30 to 120 days.
Task force establishment
Within 30 days of February 6, 2026, the Promoting American Military Sales Task Force must be established.
Industry engagement plan
Within 60 days of February 6, 2026, an industry engagement plan must be developed and submitted to the President.
Third-party transfer review
Within 60 days of February 6, 2026, the Third-Party Transfer process must be reviewed and a plan submitted to reduce its complexity.
End-use monitoring criteria
Within 90 days of February 6, 2026, clear criteria for Enhanced End Use Monitoring must be developed.
Advanced notice process
Within 90 days of February 6, 2026, a process must be developed to give allies advanced notice of contracting actions.
Prioritized sales catalog
Within 120 days of February 6, 2026, a sales catalog of prioritized platforms and systems must be submitted to the President.
Advocacy recommendations
Within 120 days of February 6, 2026, recommendations to encourage foreign buying of American defense products must be provided.
Identify sales opportunities
Within 120 days of February 6, 2026, specific Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales opportunities must be identified.
Publish performance metrics
Within 120 days of February 6, 2026, agencies must begin publishing quarterly performance metrics on sales and licenses.