International Cooperation in Test and Evaluation - A Critical Dimension,
Abstract
International cooperation in test and evaluation has been taking place for the past 20 years under the leadership of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition and Technology) with each of the military services pursuing aspects of the program. Current downsizing trends and advances in weapons technologies present the T&E community with challenges that can best be met as a world community with programs that permit the sharing of assets - skills, capabilities, technologies, and ideas. T&E has demonstrated its value over the years as an area for international cooperation. The downsizing taking place throughout the world's military establishments has intensified the focus in this area. T&E, with its large industrial structure of ranges and facilities and high technology test capabilities, provides great potential for achieving economies through cooperation. Indeed, several countries are considering the closure of test facilities on the basis of capabilities available in other countries. The United States is also exploiting the availability of allied capabilities to preclude costly investments in new facilities. The concept of an international 'reliance' on T&E appears to be emerging. It is prudent to seize on this trend and promote its implementation. Several instruments are already in place that provide a basis for pursuing cooperative efforts in T&E. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Mutual Acceptance of Test and Evaluation among the four powers of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has been in place since 1983 and has been used extensively for development of mutual test procedures. Similar bilateral MOU's are also in place with Spain and Israel. Additionally, there are several Data Exchange Agreements (DEA's) on proving ground techniques with the countries of France, Germany, Sweden, The Netherlands, Israel, South Korea
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA323178
Entities
People
- Frederick D. Mabanta
- Richard R. Ledesma
Organizations
- United States Army Test and Evaluation Command