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How is technical data released to a Foreign Military Sales purchaser?

Updated 29 September 2026Checked against the SAMM: 26 September 2026

is the information needed to design, build, operate, repair or modify a , and showing it, telling it or sending it to a foreign person is a release. Data the U.S. Government owns is released under procedures for a defined purpose, with the cost on the . Privately owned data normally goes through commercial channels under an export license, and under only with the owner's authorization.

In general export controlled technology, software, or includes information required for the design, development, production, manufacture, assembly, operation, repair, testing, maintenance, or modification of an article. may also include information on U.S. or international partner readiness and information on internal U.S. government assessments to determine the appropriateness of providing certain defense articles to partners (releasability).

Controlled technology or is considered to be released or disclosed when information is transferred to foreign persons by means of any of the following:

  • A visual inspection.
  • An oral exchange.
  • An application of the technology or data.
  • The use of any other medium of communication (e.g., written), including but not limited to, electronic, magnetic, or laser technology.

Controlled transfers may apply to a U.S. person working for a foreign company and, conversely, to foreign persons working for U.S. companies.

What counts as technical data

Government-owned and privately owned data

Unclassified information about a released system

References

Drawn exclusively from publicly available authorities.

SAMM

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