The current status of the United States foreign military sales (FMS) program

Abstract

This research examines the status of the United States (U.S.) Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program within the context of the current ever-changing domestic and global security environment. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis was used to analyze: the information gathered from the literature review; the importance of various players (domestic and international competitors, interests groups, decision-makers); and the general environment (global security and the economic environment that shape the National Security Strategy (NSS)). The study concludes that the U.S FMS program has evolved slowly because of the nature of the arms export business and the constraints imposed by the National Security Strategy. Recommendations for improving the FMS program are provided.