Proposed Rules For Exports Protect Stealth

Proposed Rules For Exports Protect Stealth: The Obama administration is proposing export control changes that would allow aircraft components to be more freely traded on the global market, while continuing to protect parts designed specifically for the military’s most stealthy aircraft.

The move would modify the U.S. Munitions List for what is known as “Category VIII,” which covers aircraft. The change would free up generic parts, components, accessories and attachments for export “regardless of their significance to maintaining a military advantage for the United States,” according to a Nov. 7 notice in the federal register. Those parts would be transferred from the State Department-managed munitions list to a list governed by the Commerce Department.

But the proposed rule does exempt parts “specifically designed” for certain aircraft with stealth technology, including the B-1B bomber, the B-2, the F-15 Silent Eagle, the F/A-18 E/F/G, the F-22 Raptor, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the F-117 Nighthawk. The exemption also includes U.S. technology demonstrators...