Significance of DOD's Foreign Dependence
Abstract
We appreciate this opportunity to appear before the Subcommittee today to discuss the Department of Defense's (DOD) dependence on foreign sources for critical components of its weapon systems. As you know, the term foreign source refers to sources of supply, manufacturer, or technology located outside the United States or Canada. A foreign dependency exists if there is no immediately available alternative domestic source. In a global economy, foreign sources of supply, manufacturing, and technology are an economic reality and abound in both the commercial and defense sectors. Use of foreign sources generates some benefits as well as some concerns. Many experts agree that trends regarding increased use of foreign sources should be closely monitored. The principal national security concern regarding foreign sourcing for critical components of weapon systems relates to whether a dependency exists and constitutes a risk, or vulnerability, to the United States. Not all dependencies pose such a threat to national security. However, such a risk or threat would exist if the United States were to become so dependent on a foreign source that its ability to produce critical weapon systems and/or secure the most advanced technology for the development of a future weapon system were to be compromised.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 16, 1991
- Accession Number
- AD1174894
Entities
People
- Paul F. Math
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office