As the threats facing the United States and Israel grow in scale and sophistication, the two allies must innovate faster to maintain their military edge. The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative — Section 219, formerly Section 224 — of the House’s Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a critical new provision to strengthen and streamline U.S.-Israel defense technology cooperation.
The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative would deepen partnerships between the United States and Israel in defense technology, focusing on areas where both countries face common security challenges—including counter-drone technology, missile and air defense, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
The provision would leverage our partnership with Israel to help give American troops a strategic edge on the battlefield, modernize our military, and ensure the United States has access to cutting-edge technologies.
Strengthens Our National Security: The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative advances America’s national security interests by directing the Pentagon to designate an executive agent to synchronize, expand, and accelerate U.S.-Israel cooperation in defense technology research and development—ensuring that American servicemembers have the most advanced capabilities to meet evolving threats.
Builds on Existing Cooperation: The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative builds on longstanding U.S.-Israel defense cooperation. It does not create new programs or authorize additional funding; it makes existing efforts more efficient and effective. Leveraging the expertise of trusted allies like Israel strengthens American military superiority and accelerates innovation at lower cost and risk.
Addresses Pressing Challenges: This provision will strengthen U.S. national security, boost the U.S. economy, help keep American troops safer on the battlefield, and maintain America’s technological edge.
Supports American Jobs: The provision encourages U.S.-based co-production and manufacturing partnerships, strengthens domestic manufacturing, and supports American workers.
Increases Congressional Oversight: The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative strengthens Congressional oversight and transparency, requiring briefings to Congress, annual reports, and public updates. Existing Congressional oversight of arms sales will not be affected in any way.
Myth #1: The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative “merges” the U.S. and Israeli militaries.
Fact: The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative does not create joint command structures or transfer any decision-making power to Israel. It establishes a coordination mechanism for defense technology cooperation, formalizing and strengthening existing cooperation.
Myth #2: The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative doesn’t benefit America.
Fact: The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative is a practical, commonsense effort to improve defense cooperation with one of America's closest security partners. Enhanced U.S.-Israel cooperation will help ensure American troops have access to the best technologies to remain safe and effective on the battlefield.
Myth #3: The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative is a backdoor way to provide military aid to Israel.
Fact: The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative does not authorize a single dollar of new aid or facilitate the transfer of any additional arms to Israel.
Myth #4: The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative will give Israel influence over U.S. defense programs or supply chains.
Fact: The Pentagon retains complete authority over acquisition decisions. The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative does not require the U.S. to adopt any Israeli technology. It simply ensures promising technologies can be evaluated through existing U.S. processes and standards.
Myth #5: The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative will give Israel access to U.S. military data.
Fact: Nothing in the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative authorizes unrestricted sharing of U.S. military data. Existing security, classification, and technology protection requirements remain fully in force.
Myth #6: The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative will weaken Congressional oversight and transparency.
Fact: The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative increases transparency and accountability by creating new reporting requirements, congressional briefings, annual assessments on cooperative programs, and public updates. The provision will have no effect on existing Congressional oversight and authority over arms sales or appropriations.
The House’s version of the FY27 NDAA also includes other essential pro-Israel policies, including $750 million for U.S.-Israel cooperative programs—a $65 million increase over FY26.
