Major non-NATO ally

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American major non-NATO allies

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Major non-NATO ally (MNNA) is a designation given by the United States government to close allies that have strategic working relationships with U.S. Armed Forces but are not members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). While the designation does not automatically include a mutual defense pact with the United States, it does confer a variety of military and financial advantages that otherwise are not available to non-NATO countries.

Overview

The MNNA status was first created in 1987 to recognize countries that provided significant support to the U.S. military but were not part of NATO. The designation offers a variety of military and financial benefits, such as eligibility for priority delivery of military hardware, the ability to stockpile U.S. military hardware, participation in defense research and development programs, and more favorable terms on loans of military equipment and supplies.

Criteria and Benefits

Countries designated as MNNAs are eligible for several benefits aimed at bolstering military cooperation and enhancing strategic partnerships. These benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Eligibility for Foreign Military Financing (FMF), which is financial assistance for the purchase of U.S. military equipment, services, and training.
• Participation in the State Partnership Program (SPP), which links a state's National Guard with the armed forces of a partner country for cooperative military activities.
• Access to excess defense articles (EDA), which allows countries to receive surplus U.S. military equipment.
• Cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.

List of MNNAs

Over the years, the list of countries designated as Major non-NATO allies has grown. Some of the countries that have been granted MNNA status include Australia, Japan, Israel, South Korea, Jordan, New Zealand, Argentina, Egypt, and Pakistan. The specific criteria for MNNA designation are not publicly detailed, but the status is typically granted through a presidential determination.

Implications

The MNNA status strengthens bilateral military ties between the U.S. and the designated countries. It facilitates closer military collaboration, including training exercises, defense research, and intelligence sharing. However, it is important to note that MNNA status does not entail a mutual defense pact with the United States, unlike the Article 5 commitment within NATO, which guarantees that an armed attack against one or more NATO members is considered an attack against all members.

Controversies and Criticisms

The MNNA designation has been subject to criticism and controversy. Some argue that it creates a tiered system of allies, where non-NATO allies may receive preferential treatment over other partners. Others have raised concerns about the implications of extending military cooperation to countries with questionable human rights records or unstable political environments.

Conclusion

The Major non-NATO ally status is a significant designation by the United States, reflecting a high level of trust and cooperation in military and defense matters. While it offers numerous benefits to the designated countries, it also raises questions about the criteria for selection and the implications for global military and diplomatic relations.

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