AFPI Releases Expert Insight on How Foreign Military Sales Can Strengthen U.S. Security and America’s Industrial Base

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) released a new Expert Insight, From Weapons to Wages, examining how foreign military sales (FMS) to allies and partners around the world can help rebuild America’s defense industrial base, sustain production capacity, grow skilled manufacturing jobs, and protect critical supply chains. The result is military readiness and more economic opportunity for American workers and our communities.

From 2000-2016, the US lost nearly 5,000,000 manufacturing jobs that could have revitalized entire communities within our own borders. In 2024, the combined value of security assistance under FMS totaled $117.9 billion; of that figure, $96.9 billion, roughly 82%, was paid directly by allies or partners. That is nearly $100 billion in foreign capital flowing into American communities, factories, and supply chains, all while not competing with the domestic procurement budget.

As demand for U.S. defense systems continues to grow, the insight argues that foreign military sales can help keep production lines active, support high-wage manufacturing jobs, and preserve the industrial capacity needed to surge production when national security demands it.

The piece also highlights that states that invest in defense-ready infrastructure, workforce development, and policies to support manufacturing will be well positioned to attract future defense production contracts and investment. The message is clear: foreign military sales are not just a security tool, they are an investment in America’s defense industrial base, manufacturing workforce, and long-term national strength.

The expert insight is available here. To learn more about AFPI’s work related to American Security, click here.