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US Army Official Calls for FMS Process Reforms

Defense Security Cooperation, Europe, Foreign Military Sales, General News, National Security, North America, Policy Updates
July 22, 2025July 22, 2025By Arthur McMiler
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US Army Maj. Gen. Ronald Ragin on Foreign Military Sales process
https://www.21tsc.army.mil/Who-We-Are/Leadership/Article-Display/Article/3419593/maj-gen-ronald-r-ragin-commanding-general/#:~:text=Assistance%20Group%2DUkraine.-,Maj.,Walden%20University%20in%20Public%20Policy

Maj. Gen. Ronald Ragin, the commanding general of the U.S. Army’s 21st Theater Sustainment Command, has suggested that the bureaucratic processes involved in the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program should be streamlined, as “not every step is required in the sequence.”

Speaking at a panel discussion during the Association of the U.S. Army’s LANDEURO conference in Wiesbaden, Germany, the general emphasized the critical role of FMS in the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line, which the Army and NATO allies use to counter Russian threats along the border.

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Defense Industry Partnerships

“We really need our industry partners to deliver,” Ragin said. According to him, it is essential to establish a strong level of trust, not only in warfighting but also in developing as a united alliance capable of collaborating with industry to enhance combat capability.

Ragin highlighted the military’s need for close cooperation with industry to acquire weapon systems that can be adapted for extended land conflicts. This need has been illustrated by the drones used in Ukraine, which are be quickly adjusted to meet the demands of changing battle environments.

Standardized, Interoperable Weapons

Another participant in the FMS discussions at LANDEURO, Christopher Brown, vice president for global strategy and international business development at General Dynamics Land Systems, noted that the conference marks a starting point for simplifying the FMS process. Through the event, participants are able to identify areas for improvement in defense, which could lead to more efficient processes addressing concerns like exportability and releasability.

Earlier in the conference, U.S. Army Europe and Africa Commander Gen. Christopher Donahue urged defense companies to develop weapon systems that can operate seamlessly among allied forces. This includes creating standardized launchers, fire control systems and munitions.

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