A registration statement must be submitted by which entities?

The requirement that any U.S. company exporting defense articles or providing defense services must submit a registration statement is rooted in compliance with U.S. export control laws. Specifically, the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) establish that entities involved in the export of defense-related products or services need to be registered with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC).

This registration serves several purposes: it allows the government to monitor and control the export of sensitive military technologies, ensures that companies adhere to national security interests, and helps maintain the integrity of international defense trade. By requiring registration from all U.S. companies engaged in these activities, the regulatory framework aims to prevent unauthorized exports and protect both domestic and foreign interests.

In contrast, the other options suggest limitations that do not reflect the broad scope of the registration requirement. For instance, the notion that only certain sectors of the industry or specific types of services are subject to registration does not align with the comprehensive nature of the regulations applicable to any entity involved in defense exports. Thus, the correct answer highlights the inclusive regulatory requirement for all relevant U.S. companies engaged in defense exports or services.