On October 22, 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defence (DEU MOD) formalized a significant bilateral Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) aimed at bolstering defense cooperation between the two nations. This arrangement, signed in Brussels by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Dr. William LaPlante, and Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki of the German Ministry of Defence, establishes a framework for both countries to secure critical defense resources in times of need, enhancing supply chain resilience and addressing potential disruptions.
The SOSA, though non-binding, represents a shared commitment between the United States and Germany to prioritize and support one another’s requests for essential defense materials and equipment. Under this arrangement, the U.S. Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) will extend some assurances to Germany, with procurement determinations made by the Department of Defense and rating authorizations overseen by the Department of Commerce. In return, Germany will introduce a government-industry Code of Conduct with its defense firms, where companies will voluntarily commit to providing priority support to the U.S. as needed.
“This SOSA is an important step forward and further strengthens the robust defense partnership between Germany and the United States,” said Dr. LaPlante at the signing ceremony.
The Security of Supply Arrangement is designed to streamline procurement processes, establish communication protocols, and create working groups to prevent supply chain disruptions during peacetime, emergencies, and armed conflicts. These measures are critical in ensuring both nations can respond swiftly to defense needs, particularly in times of crisis, while promoting greater interoperability between U.S. and German defense industries.
Germany’s participation makes it the nineteenth nation to join the U.S. in such a supply arrangement. Other key SOSA partners include strategic allies such as Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, the United Kingdom, and South Korea. The broader goal of these agreements is to build a resilient, global defense ecosystem that supports the defense capabilities of the United States and its allies.
The signing of this SOSA further solidifies the deep defense cooperation between the U.S. and Germany, reflecting a mutual commitment to enhance national security, industrial cooperation, and supply chain sustainability amid evolving global challenges.–News Desk