The global defense landscape is rapidly evolving, with U.S. allies relying more than ever on Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and international security cooperation programs to bolster their defense capabilities. However, while the opportunities in global markets are vast, the complexities of U.S. government approvals, funding pathways, and policy alignment often create bottlenecks that slow down exports and hinder growth.
At Defense Trade Solutions (DTS), we’ve seen firsthand how companies struggle to align their business objectives with U.S. security cooperation policies. Many defense firms either get lost in the bureaucracy or leave opportunities on the table simply because they lack the right strategy, relationships, and execution support.
Security cooperation is more than just FMS case development. It involves a maze of processes—Foreign Military Financing (FMF), Building Partner Capacity (BPC) programs, Third Party Transfers (TPTs), and Congressional Notifications—each with unique requirements, timelines, and political considerations. Without a clear understanding of these factors, even the most innovative defense solutions can be delayed for years.
Companies often ask us:
The reality is that security cooperation is both a business strategy and a regulatory challenge. Success requires deep government insight, structured execution, and proactive engagement.
The most successful companies in FMS and international sales treat security cooperation as a strategic advantage rather than an obstacle. They invest in the right mix of expertise, engagement, and execution capability to ensure their deals move forward. At DTS, we help defense firms win, execute, and expand international programs through four tailored delivery models:
🔹 Project-Based Support – Tactical execution of FMS case shaping, LOR to LOA facilitation, offset requirements, or Third Party Transfers, ensuring approvals move faster.
🔹 Advisory Services – Strategic insights and U.S. Government relationships to generate awareness and facilitate education on specific U.S. policy outcomes in support of your defense exports.
🔹 Managed Services – A long-term compliance and security cooperation solution that integrates directly with your business, ensuring seamless engagement with the U.S. Government.
🔹 Direct & Embedded Support – Real-time, on-the-ground expertise embedded within your team, providing hands-on execution and government coordination for your FMS contracts.
With growing international demand for U.S. defense technology, policy shifts under the next U.S. administration, a push for FMS reform through DOGE, and an increased focus on allied interoperability, the defense trade environment is entering a critical period of change. Companies that proactively invest in security cooperation expertise will gain a decisive competitive advantage.
The question isn’t whether U.S. defense firms should engage in security cooperation—it’s whether they have the right strategy to succeed. If your company is ready to accelerate approvals, navigate U.S. government roadblocks, and win in the global defense market, DTS is your trusted partner.
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