By Nicholas Thorne, PhD, Director of Solutions Development, Defense Trade Solutions. Nick brings deep expertise in export licensing and authorizations for U.S. defense companies, paired with an academic background teaching international relations and arms trade policy at the University of Arizona. You shipped a radar system to a foreign military customer under a DSP-5 permanent […]
A DTS practitioner read of the GE Aerospace ITAR settlement, the four failure categories behind the charging letter, and the compliance lessons defense exporters should not ignore. $36MCivil Penalty 116ITAR Violations 36 MonthsConsent Agreement 103Charges Tied To Authorization Mismanagement Why This Matters To The Rest Of The Industry When DDTC announced the GE Aerospace Consent […]
Defense exports are not a side effect of U.S. military power—they are one of the reasons it exists. When most people think about what makes the U.S. military the most capable force in the world, they often point to advanced aircraft, missile defense systems, next-generation drones, precision-guided munitions, and the scale of U.S. defense spending. […]
In today’s fiscal environment, every dollar matters to both the U.S. Government and the contractors who support it. Yet, one of the simplest ways to reduce program costs and increase competitiveness in government contracting often goes unnoticed: Duty-Free Entry (DFE) for imported materials used in performance of federal contracts. DFE is not a loophole, it […]
Overview On September 15, 2025 the Department of State amended the U.S. Munitions List to add a new Category XX (Submersible Vessels and Related Articles). The rule specifically brings a class of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) onto the USML, establishes size/autonomy thresholds that trigger ITAR control, and creates a targeted license exemption for certain civil […]
Cybersecurity: A Mission-Critical Priority in Global Defense Trade In today’s increasingly interconnected world, cybersecurity isn’t just an IT concern—it’s a national security imperative. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has placed unprecedented emphasis on protecting sensitive data, particularly when it comes to Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Direct Commercial Sales (DCS), and export-controlled technologies. For companies […]
For the U.S. defense industry, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) are critical for sustaining growth, strengthening allied capabilities, and offsetting domestic budget constraints. However, when the U.S. Government (USG) shuts down, these efforts can come to a standstill, creating delays, financial uncertainty, and operational disruptions that ripple across the defense sector. […]
In today’s defense contracting landscape, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) compliance isn’t just a box to check—it’s a critical factor in winning contracts, avoiding costly delays, and maintaining a competitive edge in global markets. For companies bidding on Advisory & Assistance Services (A&AS), Systems Engineering & Technical Assistance (SETA), Contractor Logistics Support (CLS), Foreign […]
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 […]
Navigating the complex world of export compliance requires expertise, precision, and a proactive approach. At Defense Trade Solutions (DTS), we understand that managing International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) authorizations is critical to the success of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) programs. That’s why our Global […]