In the know

The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program of the US government is a method for selling defense equipment, services and training to foreign countries and international organizations.

Under the FMS, the US government procures defense articles and services in behalf of a foreign nation or institution, which may pay for the purchases with its own resources or with funds from US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grants or credits.

Buyers intending to use FMS may discuss their defense requirements and special needs with US Security Assistance Organization personnel stationed in their country.

The purchasers then send a request letter to the US Embassy, which transmits it to the US Department of Defense or Implementing Agency with an attached justification. A request passes through a rigid procedure before a deal is finally made.

The FMS program allows for standardization with US forces, provides contract administrative services that may not be available through the private sector and brings down unit costs by consolidating purchases for clients.

Through the years, the Philippines has participated in the FMS program and purchased items such as aircrafts, weapons and ammunitions, among others.

In 2003, the Philippines received eight UH-1H helicopters and 15,000 M-16 rifles from US Excess Defense Articles stocks.

The total amount of FMS supported by FMF funds to the Philippines was estimated at $308.3 million from 1991 to 2003. Lawrence de Guzman, Inquirer Research

Sources: Defense Security Cooperation Agency; Inquirer Archives