Defense Exportability Features (DEF) Program
The DEF Program funds activities to support identification of major defense acquisition programs for possible export and the planning for design and incorporation of exportability features during, but not limited to, the research and development phases of these programs. Features include, but are not limited to, technology and engineering design activities such as capability differentials, anti-tamper, system assurance, and software assurance. Activities include the development of program protection strategies for the program; the design and incorporation of exportability features into the system; implementation of exportability requirements into contracts; and other research, development, test, and evaluation activities. Defense exportability features play a critically important role in DoW efforts to build partnership capacity and increase defense sales. Funds support building joint and coalition environments by enabling the export of DoW systems to a wide range of partner nations, resulting in improved security and interoperability. In addition to the operational benefits, by providing these resources up front, the United States and partner nations will save significant resources by more efficiently designing and producing exportable U.S. systems. Failure to identify the full range of CPI early in a DoW program's design phase can have a major impact on affordability and schedule when programs have to retrofit program protection measures prior to export. Early development of export variants, including systems design approaches to integrate exportable anti-tamper protection and differential capability requirements to lower production costs, makes it possible to improve quality and timely deliveries to allies and partners and may enhance U.S. industry’s share of the global marketplace.
FY2027 planned work Help DoW programs plan for, study, and incorporate exportability features in line with Executive Order 14268; DoW guidance, including DoW instruction (DoWI) 5000.85, Major Capability Acquisition, that requires DoW programs to design their systems for exportability as the default acquisition approach; and the requirements development system that integrates exportability into the DoW requirements planning process. Program activities that are planned to be funded in FY 2027 include: • Alecto Counter-Unmanned Aerial System High Powered Microwave (Alecto) (Air Force): Alecto will conduct a follow-on design activity focused on embedded sensitive technologies; and initial designs of identified…
FY2026 to FY2027 change A FY 2026 to FY 2027 decrease of $0.741 million was a re-alignment to support other Department of War administration and departmental priorities.
FY2026 plans — current year The DEF Program enables DoW programs to develop and incorporate technology protection features in designated systems during, but not limited to, the research and development phase of such systems to prepare them for export. By facilitating the export of U.S. defense systems, DoW enhances the U.S. defense industrial base, strengthens the military capabilities of U.S. allies, and increases coalition interoperability. Program activities that are planned in FY 2026 include: • Tactical High-Power Microwave Operational Responder (THOR) (Air Force): THOR will implement Phase 2 technical recommended exportability changes to processors and add an adjustable tracking functionality feature by…
FY2025 accomplishments THOR (Air Force): Continue Phase 2 development of a detailed design of Tactical High Power Microwave Operational Responder to the Mjölnir-E system incorporating the exportability features identified during Phase 1A. The specific exportability features to be incorporated into the detailed design will be determined during the completion of the Phase 1A Study. Airborne High Frequency Radio Modernization (AHFRM) (Air Force): The AHFRM AN/ARC-260 radio is replacing the end-of-life AN/ARC-190 HF. The AN/ARC-260 is the only airborne high frequency radio in Air Force development to address capability gaps across 14 aircraft platforms. The previous radio has been sold Foreign Military Sales (FMS)…