Long-delayed bilateral defence trade treaties between the US and both Australia and the UK gained the consent of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations (SCFR) on 21 September.
But it is likely to be 2011 before the accords come before US lawmakers for final consent.
The treaties - first agreed three years ago - had been on hold having been previously rejected in 2008 by the SCFR on the grounds of “unanswered questions”.
ADM understands that implementing legislation has been passed and sent to the White House for final sign off.