The five principle (legal) means by which America exports weapons and military services abroad are foreign military sales (FMS), direct commercial sales (DCS), leases of equipment, transfers of excess defense articles (EDA) and emergency drawdowns of weaponry. To get the most accurate picture possible of US weapons exports in a given year-to the whole world or to a particular destination-you must compile transfers made through all of these channels. Most arms deals begin with contact between a foreign government and a US security assistance organization (SAO)-US military personnel located in diplomatic posts and embassies abroad. SAOs help foreign militaries define their needs, provide them with data on American military equipment and function as the primary in-country point of contact for US weapons contractors. These offices produce annual military assistance assessments, which form the basis of the upcoming year's military aid and arms sales programs. SAO personnel determine which form of transfer best suits the recipient-sale, joint production of the weapon, lease or grant transfer.
The five principle (legal) means by which America exports weapons and military services abroad are foreign military sales (FMS), direct commercial sales (DCS), leases of equipment, transfers of excess defense articles (EDA) and emergency drawdowns of weaponry. To get the most accurate picture possible of US weapons exports you must compile transfers made through all of these channels. SAO personnel determine which form of transfer best suits the recipient-sale, joint production of the weapon, lease or grant transfer