President Donald J. Trump has signed an Executive Order aimed at overhauling the United States’ foreign defence sales system and modernising defence procurement procedures.
The initiative is designed to streamline export rules, increase transparency and accountability, and support both domestic job creation and U.S. national security interests.
According to the White House, the Executive Order will “improve speed and accountability in the defence sales system,” reducing regulatory barriers that have previously delayed weapons transfers to trusted allies.
It directs the Department of Defense and State Department to rework the system for reviewing and approving international arms sales, with an emphasis on predictability and efficiency.
White House aide Will Scharf stated at the signing ceremony, “We’re unable to provide weapons systems in a reliable, effective way to key allies of ours,” attributing the delays to systemic inefficiencies.
“This executive order is going to direct your Department of Defense, Department of State, and other relevant departments to rework our system of foreign defence sales to ensure that we can provide equipment creating American jobs and providing revenue to American defence manufacturers.”
The Executive Order instructs U.S. officials to identify a list of priority partner nations for future arms transfers, and to prioritise key military equipment for expedited delivery.
Within 90 days, the Secretaries of Defense, State, and Commerce are required to submit a reform plan that introduces accountability metrics, secures exportability earlier in the acquisition cycle, and consolidates the approval process.
The reforms are expected to benefit major U.S. defence contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), while revitalising the domestic defence industrial base.
The administration also says the changes will promote U.S. competitiveness abroad, reduce costs for allies, and support global stability through stronger defence cooperation.
“These measures will inject credibility into U.S. defence cooperation efforts by reducing delays, improving efficiency, and enhancing the ability of allies to procure critical technologies in a timely manner,” the White House said.
This approach, officials noted, will support joint operations, increase burden-sharing, and strengthen America’s supply chains and technological edge.
Alongside the arms export overhaul, President Trump also signed a separate order initiating a comprehensive review of defence procurement systems at the Pentagon.
“We’re modernising the procurement structure so that the Department of Defense can adapt more quickly to new challenges,” Scharf explained.
The review will ensure that existing procurement programmes deliver value and operational effectiveness, aligning with evolving global threats.
Scharf added, “We’re going to be launching a review of existing procurement programs to ensure that we’re getting the best possible systems in the field.”
The reforms are part of President Trump’s broader push to bolster national defence, which includes investment in advanced military technologies such as the new sixth-generation stealth fighter, the F-47.
He has also created the “Golden Dome for America” missile defence initiative, further reinforcing his commitment to military readiness and the protection of American interests.
Source: The White House.
