Trump Sets New Strategy for US Arms Sales

JAKARTA - US President Donald Trump issued an executive order on a new arms transfer strategy that sets priorities for Washington's partners who have invested in their own defense.

In an executive order published by the White House on Friday, February 6, Trump stated that to maintain US military dominance and technological superiority, the implementation of the America First Arms Transfer Strategy was necessary.

The strategy, described as the first of its kind, aims to ensure that future arms sales prioritize US interests by leveraging foreign purchases and capital to strengthen domestic production and capacity.

Through the new strategy, the US plans to use purchases from abroad to support domestic reindustrialization and expand production capacity.

The executive order also states that, in line with Executive Order No. 14268 dated April 9, 2025 on foreign defense sales reform to increase speed and accountability, the US will prioritize the sale and transfer of weapons to partners who have invested in their own defense capabilities, have a crucial role or geographical position in US plans and operations, or contribute to Washington's economic security.

Trump detailed that within 120 days of the issuance of the executive order, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, in coordination with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, must submit a sales catalog containing priority platforms and systems that will be encouraged to be purchased by US allies and partners.

Trump has repeatedly accused Europe of not doing enough to defend itself. He criticized Washington's European allies for allocating too little defense budget and demanded that defense spending be raised to 5 percent of gross domestic product.

At the NATO summit in The Hague last June, allied countries agreed to raise the defense spending target to 3.5 percent, with an additional 1.5 percent allocated to related fields, such as cyber security and strategic road infrastructure.

Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Mark Rutte stated at the end of last month that the European Union has not been able to defend itself without assistance from the US.