The Defense Technology Security Administration (DTSA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Defense that administers the development and implementation of DoD technology security policies on international transfers of defense-related goods, services and technologies. ^[1]

DTSA was initially created to review and oppose technology transfers sought by the former Soviet Union in its effort to improve its military capability. DoD officials considered such transfers, especially of dual-use technologies, a potential threat against the U.S. and a major challenge to U.S. national security. Today, DTSA's mission is to protect the U.S. military's technological edge in the most critical and sensitive areas, DTSA has increasingly been involved in reviewing critical technologies that could be transferred to friendly nations. ^[2]