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New report today from @USSCI argue US defence export controls are no longer fit for purpose in an age of great power competition. They are hampering the ability of trusted allies like
from being effective strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific. https://www.ussc.edu.au/analysis/australia-and-the-us-national-technology-and-industrial-base
The National Technology and Industrial Base remains the best legislative mechanism to forge greater collaboration and cooperation between the US and its close allies, with the objective to create a defence free trade zone.
But so far it's falling well short of this goal.
But so far it's falling well short of this goal.
The thing is, Australia, the US, Canada and UK may not have a choice if they want to continue to maintain a military-technological advantage.
On current trends, China is likely to overtake the Five Eyes combined in national R&D spending in PPP terms by mid-2020s.
On current trends, China is likely to overtake the Five Eyes combined in national R&D spending in PPP terms by mid-2020s.
The extraterritoriality of US defence export controls is creating opportunity costs for close allies.
They can be applied anywhere in the world if controlled knowledge is exchanged between a US and foreign person. This control then follows the product its entire life-cycle.
They can be applied anywhere in the world if controlled knowledge is exchanged between a US and foreign person. This control then follows the product its entire life-cycle.
They were set up in an era where America was the undisputed leader in many emerging tech, but no longer the case.
Aus has capabilities in niche tech areas that are arguably as good or better than that which is taking place in the US. Quantum one example. Hypersonic tech another.
Aus has capabilities in niche tech areas that are arguably as good or better than that which is taking place in the US. Quantum one example. Hypersonic tech another.
As resources continued be limited, joint collaboration and development will be increasingly necessary.
But it also needs to make economic and business sense for allies. Under current system, they are not incentivised to share tech with the US. This is not good for
or .
But it also needs to make economic and business sense for allies. Under current system, they are not incentivised to share tech with the US. This is not good for
or .
For example, Boeing investment with RAAF in developing Loyal Wingman is a great example @Dr_M_Davis. But when does it become a program of diminishing returns for Australia if slapped with ITAR controls, swamped with red-tape and ever-lasting license apps with State Dept?
Interestingly, Def Min Reynolds at Hudson linked the furtherance of the NTIB to Aus ability to be an effective partner of America, saying “more effective industry cooperation will be a critical component of the more potent combined effect we will need for deterrence purposes”
Elevating the NTIB to fulfil this aim, and allowing members to combine resources to further deterrence effects in the Indo-Pacific, should be a focus of Australian defence and foreign ministers when meeting with their US counterparts.
