major non-NATO ally

{{Infobox organisation

| name = Major non-NATO ally

| formation = 1987

| map = American major non-NATO allies.svg

| map_caption = {{legend|#31672F|United States}}

| founder = Sam Nunn

| type = Designation

| location_country = {{Flag|United States}}

| membership = 20 states:

{{flag|Taiwan}} (de facto)

}}

A major non-NATO ally (MNNA) is a designation given by the United States government to countries that have strategic working relationships with the United States Armed Forces while not being members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). While the status does not automatically constitute a mutual defense pact (as would be the case through NATO membership) with the United States, it does confer a variety of military and financial advantages that are otherwise unobtainable by non-NATO countries. There are currently 20 major non-NATO allies across four continents: 11 in Asia, 4 in Africa, 3 in South America, and 2 in Oceania.

List of MNNAs

File:ObservationPostOuellette.jpg officer monitor the Korean Demilitarized Zone in 2008.]]

File:TG Taji Health Co and TF Liberty MEDEVAC Training, 2018.jpg, New Zealand Defence Force, and US Army personnel conduct medevac training exercises at Camp Taji, Iraq, in 2018.]]

File:EAF F-16, USAF F-18 and F-15 at Bright Star Operation 2005.jpg F/A-18 Hornet and a USAF F-15 Eagle during Bright Star 05]]

=Current MNNAs=

The following countries are listed in chronological order of their designation as MNNAs by the United States government. In addition, an act provides that Taiwan shall be treated as a MNNA, without formal designation as such:{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/major-non-nato-ally-status/|title=Major Non-NATO Ally Status|access-date=2020-03-29|publisher=US State Department}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-120/subpart-B/section-120.23|title=Code of Federal Regulations - Title 22 - Foreign Relations - § 120.23 Organizations and Arrangements|access-date=2022-09-16|publisher=Code of Federal Regulations}}{{cite web|url=http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:22%20section:2321k%20edition:prelim)|title=22 USC 2321k: Designation of major non-NATO allies|access-date=2017-02-04|publisher=United States Government Publishing Office}}{{cite web |title=What's New |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/whats-new/ |website=The World Factbook |quote=The US Government designates 16 countries as Major Non-NATO Allies (MNNA) with which it has strategic working relationships in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation. The countries are: Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and Tunisia. While MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments. Information on MNNA status has been added to the "Military – note" for each of these countries. |access-date=October 21, 2021}}

class="wikitable sortable"

!President

!Country

!Year

!Note

rowspan="5" |Ronald Reagan

|{{flag|Australia}}

| rowspan="5" |1987

| rowspan="5" |

rowspan="3" |Bill Clinton

|{{flag|New Zealand}}

| rowspan="2" |1996

{{nowrap|{{flag|Jordan}}}}

|{{cite web |title=§2321k. Designation of major non-NATO allies |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2017-title22/html/USCODE-2017-title22-chap32-subchapII-partII-sec2321k.htm |access-date=December 8, 2024}}

|1998

|{{cite web |title=Overview of U.S. Policy Toward South America and the President's Upcoming Trip to the Region |url=http://commdocs.house.gov/committees/intlrel/hfa44953.000/hfa44953_0.htm |access-date=May 20, 2016}}

rowspan="7" |George W. Bush

|{{flag|Bahrain}}

|2002

|{{cite web |date=March 14, 2002 |title=Memorandum on Designation of Bahrain as a Major Non-NATO Ally |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/memorandum-designation-bahrain-major-non-nato-ally |access-date=July 16, 2021 |work=The American Presidency Project}}

| rowspan="3" |2003

|{{cite news |date=May 20, 2003 |title=Bush 'upgrades' Philippines |newspaper=CNN |url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/05/19/bush.philippines/ |access-date=July 7, 2012}}

{{flag|Taiwan}} (de facto)

|{{cite news |last=Despeignes |first=Peronet |date=October 20, 2003 |title=U.S. wants APEC agenda to include security issues |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2003-10-19-us-apec_x.htm |access-date=July 7, 2012}}

| rowspan="3" |2004

|{{cite news |date=January 15, 2004 |title=US tightens military relationship with Kuwait |agency=Associated Press |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/APAB/lib00581,1006A9E4C0DAF1EC.html |url-status=dead |access-date=July 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129174958/http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/APAB/lib00581,1006A9E4C0DAF1EC.html |archive-date=January 29, 2013}}{{subscription required}}

|{{cite news |date=June 4, 2004 |title=US rewards Morocco for terror aid |newspaper=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3776413.stm |access-date=July 7, 2012}}

Barack Obama

|{{flag|Tunisia}}

|2015

|{{cite web |title=Designation of Tunisia as a Major Non-NATO Ally |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/07/244811.htm |access-date=May 20, 2016 |work=US Department of State}}

Donald Trump

|{{flag|Brazil}}

|2019

|{{cite web |date=July 31, 2019 |title=Memorandum on the Designation of the Federative Republic of Brazil as a Major Non-NATO Ally |url=https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/memorandum-designation-federative-republic-brazil-major-non-nato-ally/ |work=whitehouse.gov |via=National Archives}}{{cite web |date=May 8, 2019 |title=Message to the Congress on Designating Brazil as a Major Non-NATO Ally |url=https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/message-congress-designating-brazil-major-non-nato-ally/ |work=whitehouse.gov |via=National Archives}}

rowspan="3" |Joe Biden

|{{flag|Colombia}}

| rowspan="2" |2022

|{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-03-10 |title=Joe Biden designa a Colombia como aliado principal extra-Otán |url=https://www.eltiempo.com/politica/gobierno/ivan-duque-y-joe-biden-en-vivo-siga-el-encuentro-en-washington-657341 |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=El Tiempo |language=spanish}}

|{{cite web |last1=Todd |first1=Lopez |title='Major Non-NATO Ally' Designation Will Enhance U.S., Qatar Relationship |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2917336/major-non-nato-ally-designation-will-enhance-us-qatar-relationship/ |access-date=1 February 2022 |website=US Department of Defense}}{{Cite web |last=Topchi |first=Ali |title=Biden designates Qatar, Colombia as 'major non-NATO allies' of US |url=https://www.trtworld.com/americas/biden-designates-qatar-colombia-as-major-non-nato-allies-of-us-55432 |access-date=2022-04-05 |website=TRT World |language=en}}

|2024

|{{cite web|url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/05/23/message-to-congress-on-intent-to-designate-kenya-as-a-major-non-nato-ally/|title=Message to Congress on Intent to Designate Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally|work=The White House|date=May 23, 2024}}

=Former MNNA=

{{flag|Afghanistan|2013}} (2012–2022): Designated by the Obama administration in 2012 during the rule of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,{{cite news|title=Hillary Clinton says Afghanistan 'major non-Nato ally'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18750732|access-date=July 7, 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=July 7, 2012}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2012/08/196675.htm|title=Afghanistan's Independence Day|date=August 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825180829/http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2012/08/196675.htm |archive-date=August 25, 2012 }} and effectively ceased to function as an MNNA after the American-allied Islamic Republic fell to the Taliban during the 2021 Taliban offensive. Afghanistan is currently governed by an unrecognized Islamic Emirate led by the Taliban. The Biden administration formally notified Congress of its revocation of Afghanistan's MNNA status in July 2022.{{cite web |last=Oshin |first=Olafimihan |date=July 7, 2022 |title=Biden to rescind Afghanistan's designation as major non-NATO ally |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/3548301-biden-to-rescind-afghanistans-designation-as-major-non-nato-ally/ |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=The Hill}}{{cite web |title=Letter to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate providing notice of the President's intent to rescind the designation of Afghanistan as a Major Non-NATO Ally |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/07/06/letter-to-the-speaker-of-the-house-and-president-of-the-senate-providing-notice-of-the-presidents-intent-to-rescind-the-designation-of-afghanistan-as-a-major-non-nato-ally/ |website=White House |date=July 6, 2022 |publisher=BRIEFING ROOM |access-date=6 July 2022}}

History

MNNA status was first created in 1987,{{Cite web |last=Fisher |first=Dan |date=1987-02-16 |title=U.S. Is Granting Israel Non-NATO Ally Status : Move Should Bring Strategic and Economic Gains, Shamir Says; Egypt Gets Same Rating |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-02-16-mn-2391-story.html |access-date=2020-09-02 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} when Congress added section 2350a — otherwise known as the Sam Nunn Amendment — to Title 10 of the United States Code.[http://law2.house.gov/uscode-cgi/fastweb.exe?getdoc+uscview+t09t12+1329+0++10%3Acite%20w%2F3%202350a Title 10, section 2350a of US Code] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721221849/http://law2.house.gov/uscode-cgi/fastweb.exe?getdoc+uscview+t09t12+1329+0++10:cite%20w%2F3%202350a |date=2012-07-21 }} It stipulated that cooperative research and development agreements could be enacted with non-NATO allies by the secretary of defense with the concurrence of the secretary of state. The initial MNNAs were Australia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, and South Korea.

In 1996, major non-NATO allies received additional military and financial benefits when section 2321k was added to Title 22 of the United States Code (also known as section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961), which added MNNAs to many of the same exemptions from the Arms Export Control Act that were enjoyed by NATO members. It also authorized the President to designate a country as an MNNA thirty days after notifying Congress.{{usc|22|2321k}} When enacted, the statute designated the initial five countries as major non-NATO allies and added New Zealand to the list.

=New Zealand=

U.S.–New Zealand strategic and military cooperation suffered a setback after the breakdown of the ANZUS Treaty in 1984, triggered by disagreements over nuclear ship entry.{{cite web |last1=Ayson |first1=Robert |last2=Phillips |first2=Jock |title=United States and New Zealand - Nuclear-free 1980s |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/united-states-and-new-zealand/page-3 |website=Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand |publisher=Ministry for Culture and Heritage |access-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924074205/https://teara.govt.nz/en/united-states-and-new-zealand/page-3 |archive-date=24 September 2023 |date=20 June 2012 |url-status=live}} The designation of New Zealand as an MNNA in 1996 reflected the warming of bilateral relations between the two countries.{{Cite web|url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/22/2321k|title=22 U.S. Code § 2321k - Designation of major non-NATO allies | U.S. Code | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute}} In June 2012, New Zealand signed a partnership arrangement with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), further strengthening and consolidating relations with the United States.{{cite web |title=NATO and New Zealand sign new partnership accord |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_88122.htm |publisher=North Atlantic Treaty Organization |access-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929163153/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_88122.htm |archive-date=29 September 2023 |date=4 June 2012 |url-status=live}}

=Argentina=

In 1998, President Bill Clinton named Argentina as an MNNA for the "Argentine compromise and contribution to international peace and security" that was materialized in its participation in the Gulf War (Argentina was the only South American country to join the coalition's fight against Iraq), and for its continuing support for United Nations peacekeeping missions.{{cite news |title=Argentina, gran aliado extra-OTAN |url=https://www.perfil.com/noticias/columnistas/argentina-gran-aliado-extra-otan-20160429-0018.phtml |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=Perfil |trans-title=Argentina great ally extra-NATO |date=29 April 2016 |language=es}}{{cite news |title=Polémica por la designación como aliado extra-OTAN |url=https://www.clarin.com/politica/polemica-designacion-aliado-extra-otan_0_r1aSDl-CFg.html |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=Clarín |trans-title=Controversy over designation as extra-NATO ally |date=10 October 1997 |language=es}}

=Taiwan=

When Congress enacted the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for FY 2003 on September 30, 2002, it required that Taiwan be "treated as though it were designated a major non-NATO ally".{{cite book|first=Shirley|last=Kan|title=Taiwan: Major U.S. Arms Sales Since 1990|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fJSHhOZo_j8C&pg=PA52|date=December 2009|publisher=DIANE Publishing|isbn=978-1-4379-2041-3|pages=52}} Despite some initial misgivings about Congress's perceived intrusion into the President's foreign affairs authority, the Bush administration subsequently submitted a letter to Congress on August 29, 2003, designating Taiwan as a de facto MNNA.

=Thailand and the Philippines=

Around the same time as Taiwan's admission, invitations were sent to Thailand and the Philippines, both of which accepted the offer.

Singapore, a long-term host of a U.S. Air Force training squadron and a major U.S. Navy non-home port, was reportedly offered a similar arrangement as the Philippines and Thailand, but turned down the offer to allay concerns of its neighbors of strong Singaporean military ties with Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Israel.{{cite web |last1=Huxley |first1=Tim |title=Singapore and the US: not quite allies |url=https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/singapore-and-the-us-not-quite-allies/ |website=The Strategist |publisher=Australian Strategic Policy Institute |access-date=26 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802085621/https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/singapore-and-the-us-not-quite-allies/ |archive-date=2 August 2012 |date=30 July 2012 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Graham |first1=Euan |title=The US-Singapore enhanced defence agreement: A third upgrade for bilateral collaboration |url=https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/us-singapore-enhanced-defence-agreement-third-upgrade-bilateral-collaboration |website=The Interpreter |publisher=The Lowy Institute |access-date=26 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826211342/https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/us-singapore-enhanced-defence-agreement-third-upgrade-bilateral-collaboration |archive-date=26 August 2020 |date=10 December 2015 |url-status=live}} However, in October 2003, President George W. Bush and his Singaporean counterpart Goh Chok Tong announced their intention to conclude a major bilateral Strategic Framework Agreement for a Closer Cooperation Partnership in Defence and Security (SFA), the details of which remained secret; it was signed on July 12, 2005.{{Cite web |title=Strategic Framework Agreement for a Closer Cooperation Partnership in Defense and Security |url=https://www.state.gov/05-712 |access-date=17 June 2023 |website=US Department of State}}

=Pakistan=

The designation of certain countries as MNNAs has not been without controversy, as has been the case with Pakistan, which was designated as an MNNA by President George W. Bush in 2004.{{Cite web |date=2012-04-24 |title=UNITED STATES DESIGNATES PAKISTAN AS MAJOR NON-NATO ALLY OF AMERICA IN SOUTH ASIA: An Analysis |url=http://www.southasiaanalysis.org/papers10/paper959.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424012557/http://www.southasiaanalysis.org/papers10/paper959.html |archive-date=24 April 2012 |access-date=2022-04-25 |website=}}{{citation |last=Riedel |first=Bruce O. |title=Avoiding Armageddon: America, India, and Pakistan to the Brink and Back |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H6n3_GJfScsC |pages=170, 216 |year=2013 |publisher=Brookings Institution Press |isbn=978-0-8157-2408-7 |ref={{sfnref|Riedel, Avoiding Armageddon|2013}}}} In 2017, Ted Poe (R–TX) and Rick Nolan (D–MN) from the House of Representatives introduced H.R. 3000; a bill to revoke Pakistan's position as an MNNA, citing inadequate counterterrorism efforts, the harboring of Osama bin Laden, and consistent Pakistani support for the Taliban.{{cite web|url=http://poe.house.gov/2017/6/congressmen-poe-and-nolan-introduce-bill-revoking-pakistans-mnna-statusl|title=CONGRESSMEN POE AND NOLAN INTRODUCE BILL REVOKING PAKISTAN'S MNNA STATUS|access-date=July 31, 2017}} The bill never received a vote, but in 2021, U.S. Representative Andy Biggs introduced H.R. 35 — another version of the legislation.

In 2017, Joseph Dunford, erstwhile chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, accused Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence of having ties to terrorist groups.{{Cite web |last=Javaid |first=Osama Bin |title=General Dunford: Pakistan intelligence has links to 'terrorists' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/videos/2017/10/4/general-dunford-pakistan-intelligence-has-links-to-terrorists |access-date=2023-04-02 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} Reuters reported that "possible Trump administration responses being discussed include expanding U.S. drone strikes and perhaps eventually downgrading Pakistan's status as a major non-NATO ally."{{Cite news |last1=Ali |first1=Idrees |last2=Stewart |first2=Phil |date=2017-10-03 |title=Mattis says will try to work with Pakistan 'one more time' |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-pakistan-military-idUKKCN1C8264 |access-date=2023-04-02}} In January 2023, Biggs introduced a bill to remove Pakistan's MNNA status.{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-introduces-bill-to-remove-pakistan-as-major-non-nato-ally-3701641|title=US Lawmaker Moves Bill To Remove Pakistan As Major Non-NATO Ally|date=2023-01-18|accessdate=2023-04-09|publisher=NDTV}}

=Tunisia=

In May 2015, President Barack Obama declared his intention to designate Tunisia as an MNNA while hosting his Tunisian counterpart Beji Caid Essebsi at the White House.{{Cite web |date=2015-07-10 |title=Presidential Memorandum -- Designation of the Republic of Tunisia as a Major Non-NATO Ally |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/07/10/presidential-memorandum-designation-republic-tunisia-major-non-nato-ally |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=White House |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Peter |date=2015-05-21 |title=Obama Upgrades Tunisia's Status as a U.S. Ally |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/22/us/tunisia-to-become-major-non-nato-ally-obama-says.html |access-date=2023-07-09 |issn=0362-4331}}

=Brazil=

In 2019, President Donald Trump designated Brazil as an MNNA{{Cite web|title=Major Non-NATO Ally Status|url=https://www.state.gov/major-non-nato-ally-status/|access-date=2020-05-07|website=United States Department of State|language=en-US}} for "Brazil's recent commitments to increase defense cooperation with the United States" after receiving a working visit from his Brazilian counterpart Jair Bolsonaro.{{Cite web |last=Vandiver |first=John |date=May 9, 2019 |title=Trump bumps up Brazil to 'major non-NATO' ally |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/trump-bumps-up-brazil-to-major-non-nato-ally-1.580256 |access-date=2023-04-02 |website=Stars and Stripes |language=en}}

File:US Navy 050816-N-9563N-006 New chief petty officer (CPO) selectees perform morning colors on board Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain.jpg base is home to US Naval Forces Central Command and US Fifth Fleet.]]

File:SD meets with Egypt's President 170405-D-SV709-190 (33705561992).jpg meets with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi during a meeting held at the Pentagon, April 5, 2017.]]

=Qatar=

On January 31, 2022, President Joe Biden announced that Qatar would be designated as an MNNA, citing its assistance during the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.{{cite news |last1=Shear |first1=Michael D. |author-link=Michael D. Shear |date=31 January 2022 |title=Biden Designates Qatar as a Major Non-NATO Ally |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/31/us/politics/biden-qatar-nato.html |access-date=14 February 2022}} "This past year, our partnership with Qatar has been central to many of our most vital interests", Biden commented. "I'm notifying Congress that I will designate Qatar as a major non-NATO ally to reflect the importance of our relationship; I think it's long overdue". This relationship serves as a major upgrade for the relations between the U.S. and Qatar. It is the third country in the Gulf region to become a major non-NATO ally after Bahrain and Kuwait.{{Cite web |title=US will designate Qatar as major non-NATO ally, Biden tells emir |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/31/us-will-designate-qatar-as-major-non-nato-ally-biden-tells-emir |access-date=2024-05-18 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=US officially designates Qatar as a major non-NATO ally |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/10/us-officially-designates-qatar-as-a-major-non-nato-ally |access-date=2024-05-18 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

=Colombia=

In March 2022, President Joe Biden designated Colombia as an MNNA, stating: "I've said for a long time Colombia is a keystone to our shared efforts to build a hemisphere as prosperous, secure and democratic ... Today I'm proud to announce that I intend to designate Colombia a major non-NATO ally because that's exactly what you are. A major, Major non-NATO ally."{{cite web |last1=Samuels |first1=Brett |date=2022-03-10 |title=Biden designates Colombia as major non-NATO ally |url=https://thehill.com/latino/597747-biden-designates-colombia-as-major-non-nato-ally |access-date=2022-11-27 |website=The Hill}}

=Kenya=

On May 23, 2024, President Joe Biden announced that Kenya would be the 20th nation granted MNNA status, in recognition of its willingness to lead an intervention in Haiti,{{cite news |last1=Khalid |first1=A. |title=Biden names Kenya a major non-NATO ally during state visit |url=https://www.npr.org/biden-kenya-state-visit |access-date=24 May 2024 |work=NPR |date=23 May 2024}} which went into effect a month later on June 24.{{Cite web |last=Biden |first=Joseph R., Jr. |author-link=Joe Biden |date=2024-06-24 |title=Memorandum on the Designation of Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/06/24/memorandum-on-the-designation-of-kenya-as-a-major-non-nato-ally/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=The White House |language=en-US}}

Potential MNNAs

Some countries might be close to a designation:{{Cite journal|last=Bazhenova|first=Olga|date=April 2021|title=The Major non-NATO Ally Status: Characteristics, Chronology, Geographical Distribution|url=https://iorj.hse.ru/en/2021-16-1/459408740.html|journal=International Organisations Research Journal|language=en|volume=16|issue=1|pages=162–171|doi=10.17323/1996-7845-2021-01-08|s2cid=236278254|doi-access=free}}

=Armenia=

{{See also|Armenia–NATO relations|Armenia–United States relations}}

Though Armenia is currently a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which is headed by Russia, there have been calls for the country to withdraw from the alliance and realign its security needs with NATO.{{Cite news|url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/armenias-pashinyan-gives-up-karabakh-abandons-russia-led-csto/ |title=Armenia's Pashinyan gives up Karabakh, abandons Russia-led CSTO |newspaper=Euractiv |date=2023-05-23 |access-date=2023-06-23}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.euronews.com/2022/09/19/armenian-protesters-demand-their-country-leaves-moscow-led-military-alliance|title=Demonstration calls on Armenia to leave Moscow-led military alliance|date=September 19, 2022|website=euronews |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230712013555/https://www.euronews.com/2022/09/19/armenian-protesters-demand-their-country-leaves-moscow-led-military-alliance |archive-date= Jul 12, 2023 }} Several politicians and political parties have called on the Armenian government to either seek full membership in NATO or become an MNNA.{{cite news |url=https://iwpr.net/global-voices/armenians-decry-csto-inaction |last=Mghdesyan |first=Arshaluis |title=Armenians Decry CSTO Inaction |website=Institute for War and Peace Reporting |date=26 September 2022 |access-date=12 October 2022 |archive-date=12 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012133952/https://iwpr.net/global-voices/armenians-decry-csto-inaction |url-status=live }} The European Party of Armenia, the For The Republic Party, and the Christian-Democratic Rebirth Party have campaigned in favor of Armenia's membership in NATO, while the Armenian National Movement Party and the National Democratic Pole call for developing deeper relations with NATO.{{Cite web|url=https://hraparak.am/post/5bbf5b97ef999406dd15548c|title=Նոր կուսակցություն՝ Հայաստանում "եվրոռեմոնտ" անելու համար|first=Աննա|last=Պապիկյան|date=October 11, 2018|website=ՀՐԱՊԱՐԱԿ}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.aravot.am/2014/03/11/439388/|title=ՀՀՇ-ն առաջիկայում հանդես է գալու «Եվրոպական Ալյանս» նախաձեռնությամբ}}{{Cite web|url=https://hraparak.am/post/af2d449668611c44ee8e68f70be17813|title=ԱՄՆ-ին պետք է խնդրել, որ դառնանք ոչ ՆԱՏՕ-ի անդամ դաշնակից․ Վահե Գասպարյան - Հրապարակ}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.lragir.am/2021/03/03/624823/|title=Հայաստանը պետք է դառնա «ԱՄՆ-ի ոչ ՆԱՏՕ անդամ հիմնական դաշնակից». հայտարարություն | Լրագիր}} The Helsinki Citizens' Assembly presented a document of recommendations to American politician Nancy Pelosi during her visit to Yerevan in September 2022; one of the recommendations was to provide MNNA status to Armenia.{{Cite web|url=https://hcav.am/en/recommendations-to-nancy-pelosi/ |website=HCAV |title=A group of Armenian experts presented a document of recommendations to Nancy Pelosi during her visit to Yerevan|date=23 September 2022}} Some American politicians, such as Sam Brownback, have also campaigned for Armenia to be granted MNNA status. On 21 June 2023, Brownback stated: "Armenia is a natural long-term ally of the United States. Armenia must be given major non-NATO ally status of the U.S."{{Cite web|url=https://tir.media/4819-2/|title=«ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԸ ՊԵՏՔ Է ԴԱՌՆԱ ԱՄՆ-Ի ՈՉ ՆԱՏՕ ԱՆԴԱՄ ԳԼԽԱՎՈՐ ԴԱՇՆԱԿԻՑ» ԴԵՍՊԱՆ ՍԵՄ ԲՐԱՈՒՆԲԵՔ.|date=July 7, 2023 |website=Tir Media }}{{Cite web|url=https://en.aravot.am/2023/07/07/329395/|title=Ambassador Sam Brownback: "Armenia should be designated a major non-NATO ally of the US" |website=Aravot |date=July 7, 2023 }}

On 3 September 2023, during an interview, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that it was a strategic mistake for Armenia to solely rely on Russia to guarantee its security. Pashinyan stated, "Moscow has been unable to deliver and is in the process of winding down its role in the wider South Caucasus region" and "the Russian Federation cannot meet Armenia's security needs. This example should demonstrate to us that dependence on just one partner in security matters is a strategic mistake." Pashinyan accused Russian peacekeepers deployed to uphold the ceasefire deal of failing to do their job. Pashinyan confirmed that Armenia is trying to diversify its security arrangements, most notably with the European Union and the United States.{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/armenian-pm-says-depending-solely-russia-security-was-strategic-mistake-2023-09-03/|title=Armenian PM says depending solely on Russia for security was 'strategic mistake'|publisher=Reuters |date=September 3, 2023 |first1=Andrew |last1=Osborn |access-date=2023-09-01}} On 23 February 2024, Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, confirmed that Armenia has frozen its participation in the CSTO. Pashinyan stated, "We have now in practical terms frozen our participation in this treaty" and "membership of the CSTO was under review" during a live broadcast interview.{{cite web |title=Armenia freezes participation in Russia-led security bloc - Prime Minister|website=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/armenia-freezes-participation-russia-led-security-bloc-prime-minister-2024-02-23/ |first1=Ron |last1=Popeski|editor-first1=Miral |editor-last1=Fahmy|editor-first2=Andrew |editor-last2=Osborn |date=23 February 2023}} On 28 February 2024, during a speech made in the National Assembly, Pashinyan further stated that the CSTO is "a threat to the national security of Armenia".{{Cite tweet |number=1762902687517901030 |user=301arm |title=Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan announced in the National Assembly that CSTO is a threat to the national security of the Republic of Armenia. |date=Feb 28, 2024}}

===Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova===

{{See also|Ukraine–NATO relations|Georgia–NATO relations|Moldova–NATO relations}}

In 2014, after Russia's annexation of Crimea formally triggered the Russo-Ukrainian War, Ukraine's government requested MNNA status.{{cite news |url= https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukraine-hopes-for-us-assistance-in-granting-ukraine-major-non-nato-ally-status-362449.html |work= Kyiv Post |title= Ukraine hopes for US assistance in granting Ukraine major non-NATO ally status |date= 28 August 2014 |access-date= 29 August 2014 |archive-date= 24 January 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160124092127/https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukraine-hopes-for-us-assistance-in-granting-ukraine-major-non-nato-ally-status-362449.html |url-status= live }} A bill was introduced to Congress to grant MNNA status to Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.{{USBill|113|h|5782}} - Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 Russia has been occupying parts of Georgia since the Russo-Georgian War in 2008, and Russian troops have also stationed in Moldova's breakaway state of Transnistria since the 1990s. In May 2019, a bill to designate Ukraine as an MNNA was introduced into the House of Representatives.{{cite web |last=Ponomarenko |first=Illia |author-link=Illia Ponomarenko |date=2019-06-01 |title=Ukraine might be designated as major non-NATO US ally |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/ukraine-might-be-designated-as-major-non-nato-us-ally.html |access-date=2019-06-30 |publisher=Kyiv Post}} {{As of|2023}}, these changes have not been made, despite support from the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web |last=Mackinnon |first=Amy |title=U.S. Commission Urges Biden to Designate Ukraine, Georgia as Major Non-NATO Allies |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/03/12/helsinki-commission-biden-ukraine-georgia-major-non-nato-allies/ |access-date=2022-05-09 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}}

=Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Oman=

During a 2015 summit at Camp David with members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Obama administration considered designating Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Qatar as MNNAs.{{cite news|last1=Toosi|first1=Nahal|title=U.S. may raise Arab states to 'major' ally status|url=http://www.politico.com/story/2015/05/white-house-arab-states-major-ally-status-military-financial-aid-summit-gcc-117965.html?hp=r1_4|access-date=May 14, 2015|publisher=Politico|date=May 14, 2015}} Qatar was later designated a MNNA by the Biden administration in 2022.

=Iraq=

Since 2008, Iraq and the United States have a strategic partnership that was formalized in their Strategic Framework Agreement. It covers a range of areas, including security, economics, and culture. The United States has provided military and economic aid to Iraq since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Following the rise of the Islamic State in the mid-2010s, American troops were again deployed to Iraq in order to support the Iraqi military in their fight against the militant group. Although most American troops withdrew from Iraq in 2021, the United States has continued to provide military and economic assistance to the Iraqi government.{{cite web|url=https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2008/11/20081127-2.html|title=Text of Strategic Framework Agreement and Security Agreement Between the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq|website=georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov|access-date=7 January 2019}}

Benefits

Countries designated as MNNAs are eligible for the following benefits:{{cite web | url=https://www.state.gov/major-non-nato-ally-status/ | title=Major Non-NATO Ally Status }}

Entry into cooperative research and development projects with the Department of Defense (DoD) on a shared-cost basis;
Participation in certain counterterrorism initiatives;
Purchase of depleted uranium anti-tank rounds;
Priority delivery of military surplus (ranging from military rations to naval ships);
Possession of War Reserve Stocks of DoD-owned equipment that are kept outside of American military bases;
Loans of equipment and materials for cooperative research and development projects and evaluations;
Permission to use American financing for the purchase or lease of certain defense equipment;
Reciprocal training;
Expedited export processing of space technology;
Permission for the country's corporations to bid on certain DoD contracts for the repair and maintenance of military equipment outside of the United States.

Major partners

=Israel as a major strategic partner=

The House of Representatives passed the United States–Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 in December of that year.{{cite web |last=Wilner |first=Michael |date=4 December 2014 |title=Congress enshrines Israel in a new class of ally |url=http://www.jpost.com/International/US-House-of-Representatives-passes-bill-declaring-Israel-major-strategic-partner-383616 |access-date=May 20, 2016 |work=The Jerusalem Post}} This new category would have placed Israel one notch above the MNNA classification and would have added additional support for defense and energy infrastructure, in addition to strengthened cooperation through business and academics.{{cite web |last=Stoil |first=Rebecca Shimoni |date=4 December 2014 |title=US Congress passes Israel strategic partnership bill |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-congress-passes-israel-strategic-partnership-bill/ |access-date=May 20, 2016 |work=The Times of Israel}} The bill additionally called for the increasing of American war reserve stock in Israel to {{Currency|1.8 billion|USD|passthrough=yes|linked=no}}. The bill did not reach a vote, and thus did not pass or become law.

=India as a major defense partner=

In 2016, the United States recognized India as a "major defense partner"; this occurred less than a month after the House of Representatives passed the India Defense Technology and Partnership Act.{{Cite news|last=Chaudhury|first=Dipanjan Roy|title=US recognizes India as 'major defense partner' - The Economic Times|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/us-recognises-india-as-major-defence-partner/articleshow/52645652.cms|access-date=2020-07-16}} This allowed India to buy more advanced and sensitive technologies on par with those of the United States' closest allies and partners.{{Cite web|date=2019-07-03|title=U.S.A. Grants India Non-NATO Ally Status|url=https://iasgatewayy.com/u-s-a-grants-india-non-nato-ally-status/|access-date=2021-10-06|website=IAS gateway|language=en-US}} The United States has four "foundational agreements" signed with India: the 2016 logistics agreement, the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial Cooperation (BECA) in 2020, and the pre-existing General Security of Military Information Agreement signed in 2002 that was further augmented by the Industrial Security Annex, signed in 2019.{{cite news |last1=Bhattacherjee |first1=Kallol |last2=Dinakar |first2=Peri |title=India and U.S. working to finalise Air Information Sharing agreement |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-and-us-working-to-finalise-air-information-sharing-agreement/article66647326.ece |access-date=25 October 2023 |work=The Hindu |publisher=The Hindu Group |date=22 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328224048/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-and-us-working-to-finalise-air-information-sharing-agreement/article66647326.ece |archive-date=28 March 2023}}

In June 2019, American lawmakers provided for enhancements to the strategic status of India, though this fell short of designating the country as an MNNA.{{cite news |last=Rajghatta |first=Chidanand |date=July 3, 2019 |title=US Senate okays non-Nato ally status for India |newspaper=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/us-senate-okays-non-nato-ally-status-for-india/articleshow/70044908.cms |access-date=August 29, 2019}}{{cite web |last=Iwanek |first=Krzysztof |date=2019-08-01 |title=No, India Isn't a 'Major Non-NATO Ally' of the United States |url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/08/no-india-isnt-a-major-non-nato-ally-of-the-united-states/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802170336/https://thediplomat.com/2019/08/no-india-isnt-a-major-non-nato-ally-of-the-united-states/ |archive-date=2 August 2019 |publisher=The Diplomat}}

=United Arab Emirates as a major defense partner=

In 2024, the United States recognized the United Arab Emirates as a major defense partner.{{Cite web |date=24 September 2024 |title=Biden designates UAE as a second major defense partner after India |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/harris-plans-raise-gaza-ceasefire-deal-meetings-with-uae-leader-2024-09-23/ |first1=Gabriella |last1=Borter |first2=Andrea |last2=Shalal |website=Reuters}}