Technology or technologies essential to the design, development, production, operation, application, or maintenance of an article or service that makes or could make a significant contribution to the military potential of any country, including the United States. These technologies are known to be of absolute necessity in terms of increasing or maintaining capability, efficacy, or advantage. The term connotes not only the need but also the potential vulnerability to denial of the technology in question, i.e., concern for protecting and ensuring the continued availability of said technology. This includes, but is not limited to, design and manufacturing know-how, technical data, software, keystone equipment, and inspection and test equipment.
− Primary question: “How desperately do we need this technology?”
− Examples: stealth materials, biotechnology, hypersonics, microelectronics.