Trump simplifies defense tenders: how it will change US arms procurement
10 April 16:24
On April 9, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a decree aimed at a large-scale reform of the system of procurement of weapons and technologies for the needs of the U.S. Army. The head of state signed a document to simplify the export of American weapons, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports citing Reuters.
The move is a continuation of the administration’s efforts to simplify government, support the defense industry, and strengthen the country’s military power.
The main goal of the order is to speed up arms deliveries
The document requires the US Department of Defense to focus on efficiency and adaptability when procuring new systems. This means that priority will be given to fast-track contracts, in particular, using off-the-shelf commercial solutions that can be implemented without multi-stage bureaucracy.
According to the White House, the current procurement system is overly complicated, overloaded with approvals, and often leads to years-long delays in the delivery of even basic weapons and equipment.
Reduce regulatory barriers and retrain personnel
An important part of the decree is the requirement to reassess existing regulations and procedures to eliminate duplicative or outdated requirements that slow down the process. Special attention is also paid to the personnel responsible for procurement. It is planned to update, retrain and empower them. The administration encourages these specialists not to be afraid of risks if they are justified and aimed at technological upgrades.
The decree also contains provisions for strict control over defense programs that significantly exceed the budget or disrupt schedules. In such cases, consideration is given to suspending or canceling such programs, regardless of their political or lobbying support.
Examples of inefficiencies in the defense sector include the delayed upgrade of the presidential Air Force One aircraft and problems with the construction of new warships for the US Navy.
The strategic goal is to maintain US leadership
According to the White House, the reform is aimed not only at rationalizing spending, but also at strengthening the US position as a military and technological superpower. In the context of global competition and growing challenges from China and Russia, it is important that the US armed forces have access to advanced developments without delay or loss of time.
Support from the defense industry
US arms manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman have generally welcomed the initiative, although they have expressed hope that the reforms will take into account their risks. Reducing the regulatory burden will allow companies to speed up the development cycle, which is especially important in the context of developing new drones, cyber systems and artificial intelligence for the army.
The United States is the world’s leading arms exporter
In recent years, the United States has retained its status as the world’s largest arms exporter. According to the Stockholm Institute of Peace Research (SIPRI), it is less than 12%.
More than 100 countries buy American weapons, but the lion’s share of supplies are made up of contracts with the states of Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. Partner countries view the United States as a stable and technologically advanced supplier, as well as a political ally.
Europe: strengthening defense against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine
After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, European countries sharply increased their arms purchases. In particular, Poland, Germany, Finland, the Czech Republic, and the Baltic states are massively modernizing their armed forces.
From 2020 to 2024, the United States accounted for 64% of arms imports by NATO countries in Europe. These include air defense systems (Patriot), tanks (M1 Abrams), howitzers (M777), UAVs, and ammunition.
Middle East: a stable market with high orders
Middle Eastern countries are long-standing customers of the American military industry. Saudi Arabia is the largest individual buyer. It accounts for 12% of all US exports.
The UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Israel regularly update their arsenals by purchasing American aircraft (F-15, F-16, F-35), missile defense systems, missiles, and drones.
Cooperation with Israel is especially active in the framework of military aid packages.
Asia-Pacific region: containment of China
Against the backdrop of China’s growing military influence, countries in Asia and Oceania are stepping up defense orders:
- Japan – 8.8% of total US exports.
- Australia – 6.7%, in particular as a key partner in the AUKUS program.
- South Korea – 5.3%, purchases tanks, fighters, and air defense systems.
These countries view American weapons as a factor in the balance of power in the region.
Additional areas
The United States also supplies arms to countries in Latin America (Colombia, Brazil), Africa (Morocco, Egypt), and South Asia (India, Pakistan). The nature of the supplies ranges from small arms to strategic platforms and air defense systems.
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