What is the primary statute governing the export of military technologies?

The Arms Export Control Act (AECA) is the foundational statute that regulates the export of military technologies and defense articles. Enacted in 1976, the AECA provides the legal framework for the U.S. government's control over the export of defense-related materials and services. It empowers the President to control the export of arms, ammunition, and implements of war and mandates the establishment of a system for licensing and congressional oversight for arms sales to foreign countries and international organizations.

The importance of the AECA lies in its comprehensive scope, ensuring that military technologies are only exported in a manner that serves U.S. national security interests and foreign policy objectives. This statute also addresses the need to prevent the proliferation of weapons and to ensure that exported military equipment does not fall into the wrong hands.

In contrast, while the National Defense Authorization Act provides funding for military operations and authorizes programs, it is not primarily focused on the rules governing the export of technologies. The Foreign Assistance Act contains provisions for U.S. foreign aid but does not specifically govern military exports, and the Export Administration Regulations primarily control dual-use goods and services (those that have both civilian and military applications) rather than focusing exclusively on military technologies.