In brief, Mr. Chairman, we reported that, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and intelligence agencies, some close U.S. allies actively seek to obtain classified and technical information from the United States through unauthorized means. These agencies have determined that foreign intelligence activities directed at U.S. critical technologies pose a significant threat to national security. U.S. intelligence agencies report a continuing economic espionage threat from certain U.S. allies. Our report discussed the espionage activities of five allies. A goal common to most of these countries was the support of the country's defense industry.
Countries seek U.S. defense technologies to incorporate into domestically produced systems.
By obtaining the technology from the United States, a country can have cutting-edge weapon systems without the cost of research and development. The cutting-edge technologies not only provide superior weapon systems for a country's own use, but also make these products more marketable for exports. According to a U.S. intelligence agency, the government of Country A conducts the most aggressive espionage operation against the United States of any U.S. ally. Classified military information and sensitive military technologies are high-priority targets for the intelligence agencies of this country. Country A routinely resorts to state-sponsored espionage using covert collection techniques to obtain sensitive U.S. economic information and technology.