Guide
Can a partner lease a U.S. Navy ship?
Yes, but naval vessels carry extra rules on top of the ordinary lease rules. Under 10 U.S.C. 8677, leasing a naval vessel of more than 3000 tons, or one less than 20 years old, needs specific statutory authorization; other naval vessels need congressional notification. The lease rules still apply unless the separate legislation says otherwise, including advance notice to Congress of any lease of one year or longer.
Can a partner lease a U.S. Navy ship?
For leases of U.S. Naval vessels, the guidance in Appendix 8, Lease of Defense Articles, applies. Naval vessel leases are subject to additional requirements contained in 10 U.S.C. 8677, which requires specific statutory authorization for the lease of naval vessels in excess of 3000 tons or less than 20 years of age, and Congressional notification for other naval vessels. , Subchapter VI requirements also apply to naval vessel leases unless the separate legislation expressly provides otherwise.
References
SAMM
- SAMM AP8.LoDA.2.6.1 — Naval Vessel Leases.
- SAMM AP8.LoDA.5.1
- SAMM AP8.LoDA.5.2
Facts referenced
- Naval vessel lease: tonnage above which a lease needs specific statutory authorization (10 U.S.C. 8677) — 3000 (as of 30 September 2026) — SAMM AP8.LoDA.2.6.1
- Naval vessel lease: age in years below which a lease needs specific statutory authorization (10 U.S.C. 8677) — 20 (as of 30 September 2026) — SAMM AP8.LoDA.2.6.1
Related
Arms Export Control Act (AECA)
The basic U.S. law providing the authority and general rules for the conduct of Foreign Military Sales and commercial sales of defense articles, defense services, and training. The Arms Export Control Act (AECA) came into existence with the passage of the Foreign Military Sales Act (FMSA) of 1968. An amendment in the International Security Assistance and AECA of 1976 changed the name of FMSA to the AECA.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Open the manual’s entry → (opens in new tab)
SAMM — Security Assistance Management Manual
SAMM Acronyms, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Security Assistance Management Manual (SAMM) →
AECA — Arms Export Control Act
SAMM Acronyms, as of 12 September 2026
Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
A process, authorized by the Arms Export Control Act, through which eligible foreign governments and international organizations may purchase defense articles, services, and training from the United States Government.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Open the manual’s entry → (opens in new tab)
DSCA — Defense Security Cooperation Agency
SAMM Acronyms, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) →
Major Defense Equipment (MDE)
Any item of Significant Military Equipment on the U.S. Munitions List having a nonrecurring research and development cost of more than $50 million or a total production cost of more than $200 million. Also defined in section 47 (6), Arms Export Control Act.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Open the manual’s entry → (opens in new tab)
Joint Resolution
A legislative resolution, designated H J Res (House) or S J Res (Senate) which requires the approval of both houses and the signature of the President, just as a bill does, and which has the force of law if approved. There is no practical difference between a bill and a joint resolution. A joint resolution generally is used to deal with a limited matter such as a single appropriation. Congressional rejection of a proposed arms transfer, lease, third country transfer, or a proposed international cooperative project takes the form of a joint resolution of disapproval.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Open the manual’s entry → (opens in new tab)