To amend the Arms Export Control Act to modify certain provisions relating to AUKUS defense trade cooperation, and for other purposes.

This bill updates U.S. arms export rules to make it easier to share defense technology with close allies, especially partners in the AUKUS security group. It changes parts of the Arms Export Control Act and shifts U.S. policy so that certain advanced missile-related items are not automatically treated as “deny by default” when the buyer is a NATO ally, a major non-NATO ally, or a member of the Five Eyes (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States).

It also tweaks legal language to support AUKUS defense trade cooperation and clarifies that one specific export exemption does not involve the Missile Technology Control Regime. Overall, the aim is to speed up and simplify defense trade with trusted partners while keeping missile controls in place where required.

• Who is affected: U.S. defense exporters; NATO allies; major non-NATO allies; Five Eyes countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• What changes: Removes the “presumption of denial” for certain missile-related exports to these trusted partners; updates AUKUS-related trade rules; clarifies that one exemption does not cover Missile Technology Control Regime items.
• When: Would take effect if enacted into law.