AUKUS reforms to US export controls inevitable: Ex-Navy chief
Former American naval chief, Richard Spencer, is among many experts echoing the same message; defense technology export controls hurt America’s strategic partnerships and hurt economic growth. Spencer singled out the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) as the single largest obstacle to collaboration between the US and her allies. He also advocated that revising, or dissolving, ITAR would create much needed private sector competition amongst AUKUS firms.
ITAR has also stood in the way of economic collaboration. Spencer stated, ‘ITAR was regularly mentioned as a factor in companies not wanting to bring technology to the US.’ A revision to ITAR would allow innovative technologies developed in Australia and the UK to be put to market in the US, increasing competition and progress for emerging technologies.