According to the GAO, “protecting critical technologies—such as those used in aeronautics and space systems—is necessary for maintaining U.S. military superiority. Adversaries often try to steal or illegally export these technologies. Protecting them requires a collective effort from multiple federal agencies. DOD has begun compiling a list of acquisition programs, technologies, manufacturing capabilities, and research areas that are critical for preserving U.S. advantages. But it has not decided how to communicate the list internally and to other agencies.” The GAO went on to recommend that “DOD specify how it will communicate the list and assess and oversee protection efforts”.

The report website also contains a six minute long podcast entitled “Protecting Critical Technologies Used in Military Weapons from Adversarial Threats”.