3 chapters across the catalog
President Obama designates Tunisia as a major non-NATO ally following a terrorist attack on a beach. This designation bypasses the $60 million cap on arms sales, allowing for increased military exports to the country. The hosts argue that such designations are primarily driven by the need to sell defense equipment and maintain the 2% GDP spending requirement for allies.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency reports major sales of military equipment, including $588 million to Libya for C-130 aircraft and $200 million to Kuwait for F-18 technical support. The hosts note that much of the billing is categorized as "other" rather than major defense equipment.
President Obama issues an executive order regarding export control reform, which the hosts interpret as a way to sell surplus security equipment to foreign governments. They highlight a $600 million sale of mobile scanners to Iraq and a multi-billion dollar defense package for Australia, including "Growler" aircraft and missile launchers.
