1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov February 21, 2020Transfer of Defense Articles: Foreign Military Sales (FMS)The United States sells more than $55 billion worth of defense articles and services annually to foreign governments to advance U.S. security and economic interests. Such purchases are managed
2、primarily through the Foreign Military Sales program (FMS), through which the U.S. government procures defense articles as an intermediary for foreign partners. This adds value for customers by ensuring that they have the same contract benefits and protections that apply to the U.S. militarys acquis
3、ition of its own defense articles and services. In turn, the U.S. benefits from a government-to-government relationship in the sale intended to comply with U.S. foreign and security policy, as well as to help ensure militarily interoperable weapons systems among allies and partners. Congress authori
4、zed the FMS program in the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) of 1976 (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.) and provides active oversight of the program through annual Department of State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Acts and the National Defense Authorization Acts. Such oversight is also seen in the congre