[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 165 (Thursday, November 17, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6455-S6458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Mr. CORKER. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control
Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain
proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification,
the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be
reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the
notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the
Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant
information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to
have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received.
If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is
available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations
Committee, room SD-423.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
Defense Security
Cooperation Agency,
Arlington, VA.
Hon. Bob Corker,
Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations,
U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: Pursuant to the reporting requirements
of Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as
amended, we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. 16-58,
concerning the Department of the Air Force's and Navy's
proposed Letter(s) of Offer and Acceptance to the Government
of Qatar for defense articles and services estimated to cost
$21.1 billion. After this letter is delivered to your office,
we plan to issue a news release to notify the public of this
proposed sale.
Sincerely,
J.W. Rixey,
Vice Admiral, USN, Director.
Enclosures.
Transmittal No. 16-58
Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to
Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as
amended
(i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Qatar.
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment* $11.5 billion.
Other $ 9.6 billion.
Total $21.1 billion.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
Seventy-two (72) F-15QA Aircraft.
One hundred and forty-four (144) F-110-GE-129 Aircraft
Engines.
Eighty (80)Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCP II).
Eighty (80) Digital Electronic Warfare Suites (DEWS).
Eighty (80) M61A ``Vulcan'' Gun Systems.
Eighty (80) Link-16 Systems.
One hundred and sixty (160) Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing
Systems (JHMCS).
Three hundred and twelve (312) LAU-128 Missile Launchers.
Eighty (80) AN/APG-82(V)1 Active Electronically Scanned
Array (AESA) Radars.
One hundred and sixty (160) Embedded GPS/Inertial
Navigation Systems (INS) (EGI).
Eighty (80) AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN Navigation Pods w/Containers.
Eighty (80) AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Advanced Targeting Pods w/
containers (MDE Determination Pending).
Eighty (80) AN/AAS-42 Infrared Search and Track Systems
(IRST) (MDE Determination Pending).
Two hundred (200) AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles.
Seventy (70) AIM-9X Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM).
Eight (8) AIM-9X Special Training Missiles.
Twenty (20) CATM AIM-9X Missile Guidance Units.
Twenty (20) AIM-9X Tactical Guidance Kits.
Two hundred and fifty (250) AIM-120C7 Advanced Medium Range
Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM).
Five (5) AIM-120C7 Spare Guidance Kits.
One hundred (100) AGM-88 High Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles
(HARM).
Forty (40) AGM-88 HARM CATMs.
Two hundred (200) AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW).
Eighty (80) AGM-84L-1 Standoff Strike Anti-Ship Missiles
(Harpoon).
Ten (10) Harpoon Exercise Missiles.
Two hundred (200) AGM-65H/K (Maverick) Missiles.
Five hundred (500) GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions
(JDAM) Guidance Kits.
Five hundred (500) GBU-31 (VI) JDAM Guidance Kits.
Two hundred and fifty (250) GBU-54 Laser JDAM Guidance
Kits.
Two hundred and fifty (250) GBU-56 Laser JDAM Guidance
Kits.
Five hundred (500) BLU-111B Bombs.
Five hundred (500) BLU-117B Bombs.
Six (6) MK-82 Inert Bombs.
One thousand (1,000) FMU-152 Joint Programmable Fuses.
Non-MDE include:
ACMI (P5) Training Pods, Reece Pods (DB-110), Conformal
Fuel Tanks (CFTs), Identification Friend/Foe (1FF) system,
AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles (NVG), ARC-210 UHF/UVF radios,
LAU-118(v)1/A, LAU-117-AV2A, associated ground support,
training materials, mission critical resources and
maintenance support equipment, the procurement for various
weapon support and test equipment spares, technical
publications, personnel training, simulators, and other
training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor
engineering, technical and logistics support services; and
other related elements of logistical and program support.
(iv) Military Department: Air Force (X7-D-SAC and X7-D-YAB)
and Navy (QA-P-AAB).
(v) Prior Related Cases, if any: None.
(vi) Sales Commission, Fee. etc.. Paid, Offered, or Agreed
to be Paid: None.
(vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained in the Defense
Article or Defense Services Proposed to be Sold: See Attached
Annex.
(viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: Nov 17, 2016.
*As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION
Government of Qatar--F-150A Aircraft with Weapons and Related Support
The Government of Qatar requested to purchase seventy-two
(72) F-15QA multi-role fighter aircraft and associated
weapons package; the provision for continental United States
based Lead-in-Fighter-Training for the F-15QA; associated
ground support;, training materials; mission critical
resources and maintenance support equipment; the procurement
for various weapon support and test equipment spares;
technical publications; personnel training; simulators and
other training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor
engineering; technical and logistics support services; and
other related elements of logistical and program support. The
estimated total program value is $21.1 billion.
This proposed sale enhances the foreign policy and national
security of the United State by helping to improve the
security of a friendly country and strengthening our
strategically important relationship. Qatar is an important
force for political stability and economic progress in the
Persian Gulf region. Our mutual defense interests anchor our
relationship and the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) plays a
predominant role in Qatar's defense.
The proposed sale improves Qatar's capability to meet
current and future enemy air-to-air and air-to-ground
threats. Qatar will use the capability as a deterrent to
regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense.
Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into
its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this aircraft, equipment, training,
and support services will not alter the basic military
balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be Boeing Corporation of Chicago,
IL. The Purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset
agreement will be defined in negotiations between the
purchaser and the contractor. Additional contractors include:
Astronautics Corporation of America, Arlington VA.
BAE Systems, Arlington, VA.
Elbit Systems of America, Fort Worth, TX.
General Electric Aviation of Cincinnati, OH.
Honeywell Aerospace, Phoenix, AZ.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth, TX.
L3 Communications, Arlington, TX.
NA VCOM, Torrance, CA Raytheon, Waltham, MA.
Rockwell Collins, Cedar Rapids, IA.
Teledyne Electronic Safety Products, Thousand Oaks, CA.
UTC Aerospace Systems, Charlotte, NC.
Implementation of this sale requires the assignment of
approximately 24 additional U.S. Government and approximately
150 contractor representatives to Qatar.
There is no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a
result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 16-58
Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to
Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act
Annex Item No. vii
(vii) Sensitivity of Technology:
1. This sale involves the release of sensitive technology
to Qatar. The F-15QA weapons system is classified up to
SECRET.
[[Page S6456]]
The F-15QA aircraft uses the F-15E airframe and features
advanced avionics and other technologically sensitive
systems. The F-15QA contains the General Electric F-110-GE-
129; an AN/APG-82(V)l Active Electronically Scanned Array
(AESA) radar; internal and external electronic warfare and
self-protection equipment; identification, friend or foe
(IFF) system; operational flight program; and software
computer programs.
2. Sensitive and classified (up to SECRET) elements of the
proposed F-15QA include hardware, accessories, components,
and associated software: AESA radar, Digital Electronic
Warfare Suite (DEWS), Missile Warning System (MWS), Non-
Cooperative Threat Recognition (NCTR), Advanced Display Core
Processor (ADCP) II, the AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER targeting system,
Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), Infrared Search
and Track system (IRST), APX-114/119 1FF, Link-16 Datalink
Terminals, ARC-210 UHF/VHF, DB-110, EGI, AN/AVS-9 Night
Vision Goggles (NVG), and associated air-to-air and air-to-
ground weapons. Additional sensitive areas include operating
manuals and maintenance technical orders containing
performance information, operating and test procedures, and
other information related to support operations and repair.
The hardware, software, and data identified are classified to
protect vulnerabilities, design and performance parameters
and other similar critical information.
3. The AN/APG-82(V) 1 is an AESA radar upgrade for the F-
15. It includes higher processor power, higher transmission
power, more sensitive receiver electronics, and synthetic
aperture radar, which creates higher-resolution ground maps
from a greater distance than existing mechanically scanned
array radars. The upgrade features an increase in detection
range of air targets, increases in processing speed and
memory, as well as significant improvements in all modes. The
highest classification of the radar is SECRET.
4. DEWS provides passive radar warning, wide spectrum radio
frequency jamming, and control and management of the entire
electronic warfare (EW) system. It is an internally mounted
suite. The commercially developed system software and
hardware is UNCLASSIFIED. The system is classified SECRET
when loaded with a U.S. derived EW database.
5. The AAR-57(v)2 uses electro-optical sensors to warn the
aircrew of threatening missile launch and approach which is
integrated within DEWS. This system detects and performs data
hand-off so countermeasures can be automatically dispensed.
The system, hardware components and software, are classified
up to SECRET.
6. The ADCP II is the F-15 aircraft central computer. It
serves as the hub for all aircraft subsystems and avionics
data transfer. The hardware and software are classified
SECRET.
7. The SNIPER (AN/AAQ-33) targeting system is UNCLASSIFIED
and contains technology representing the latest state-of-the-
art in electro-optical clarity and haze and low light
targeting capability. Information on performance and inherent
vulnerabilities is classified SECRET. Software (object code)
is classified CONFIDENTIAL. Overall system classification is
SECRET.
8. The LANTIRN (AN/AAQ-13) is a navigation pod and provides
high-speed penetration and precision attack assistance in all
flying conditions. The pod uses a terrain-following radar and
a fixed infrared sensor to display an image of the terrain in
front of the aircraft on a heads-up display. System
components, countermeasures and vulnerabilities are
classified up to SECRET. Overall system classification is
SECRET.
9. The AN/AAS-42 1RST system is a long-wave, high
resolution, passive, infrared sensor system that searches and
detects heat sources within its field of regard. The AN/AAS-
42 is classified CONFIDENTIAL, components and subsystems
range from UNCLASSIFIED to CONFIDENTIAL, and technical data
and other documentation are classified up to SECRET.
10. A combined transponder interrogator system is
UNCLASSIFIED unless Mode IV or V operational evaluator
parameters, which are SECRET, are loaded into the equipment.
11. An advanced Link-I6 command, control, communications,
and intelligence (C3I) system incorporating high-capacity,
jam-resistant, digital communication links is used for
exchange of near real-time tactical information, including
both data and voice, among air, ground, and sea elements. The
terminal hardware, publications, performance specifications,
operational capability, parameters, vulnerabilities to
countermeasures, and software documentation are classified
CONFIDENTIAL. The classified information to be provided
consists of that which is necessary for the operation,
maintenance, and repair (through intermediate level) of the
data link terminal, installed systems, and related software.
12. JHMCS is a modified HGU-55/P helmet that incorporates a
visor-projected Heads- Up Display to cue weapons and aircraft
sensors to air and ground targets. This system projects
visual targeting and aircraft performance information on the
back of the helmet's visor, enabling the pilot to monitor
this information without interrupting his field of view
through the cockpit canopy. This provides improvement for
close combat targeting and engagement. Hardware is
UNCLASSIFIED.
13. The AN/AVS-9 NVG is a 3rd generation aviation NVG
offering higher resolution, high gain, and photo response to
near infrared. Hardware is UNCLASSIFIED, and technical data
and documentation to be provided are UNCLASSIFIED.
14. The ARC-210 UHF/VHF secure radios with HAVE QUICK II is
a voice communications radio system that can operate in
either normal, secure, or jam-resistant modes. It can employ
cryptographic technology that is classified SECRET.
Classified elements include operating characteristics,
parameters, technical data, and keying material.
15. The DB-110 is a tactical airborne reconnaissance
system. This capability permits reconnaissance missions to be
conducted from very short range to long range by day or
night. It is an under-the-weather, podded system that
produces high resolution, dual-band electro-optical and
infrared imagery. The DB-110 system is UNCLASSIFIED.
16. Embedded GPS INS (EGI) is a navigation platform that
combines an inertial sensor assembly with a fixed reception
pattern antenna (FRPA) GPS receiver and a common Kalman
filter. The EGI system is the primary source for position
information. The EGI is UNCLASSIFIED. The GPS crypto variable
keys needed for highest GPS accuracy are classified up to
SECRET.
17. Software, hardware, and other data and information,
which is classified or sensitive, is reviewed prior to
release to protect system vulnerabilities, design data, and
performance parameters. Some end-item hardware, software, and
other data identified above are classified at the
CONFIDENTIAL and SECRET level. Potential compromise of these
systems is controlled through management of the basic
software programs of highly sensitive systems and software-
controlled weapon systems on a case-by-case basis.
18. The following munitions are part of the F-15QA
configuration:
19. AIM-9X Sidewinder missile is an air-to-air guided
missile that employs a passive infrared target acquisition
system that features digital technology and micro-miniature
solid-state electronics. The AIM-9X tactical and captive air
training missile (CATM) guidance units are subsets of the
overall missile. The AIM-9X is overall classified
CONFIDENTIAL; major components and subsystems range from
UNCLASSIFIED to CONFIDENTIAL. However, technical data and
other documentation are classified up to SECRET.
20. The AIM-9X is launched from the aircraft using a LAU-
128 guided missile launcher. The LAU-128 provides mechanical
and electrical interface between missile and aircraft. The
LAU-128 system is UNCLASSIFIED.
21. AIM-120C7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile
(AMRAAM) is a guided missile featuring digital technology and
micro-miniature solid-state electronics. AMRAAM capabilities
include look-down/shoot-down, multiple launches against
multiple targets, resistance to electronic countermeasures,
and interception of high- and low-flying and maneuvering
targets. The AMRAAM is classified CONFIDENTIAL; major
components and subsystems range from UNCLASSIFIED to
CONFIDENTIAL. However, technical data and other documentation
are classified up to SECRET.
22. The AIM-120C7 is launched from the aircraft using a
LAU-128 guided missile launcher. The LAU-128 provides the
mechanical and electrical interface between missile and
aircraft. The LAU-128 system is UNCLASSIFIED.
23. Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is an air-to-ground
weapon with a guidance tail kit that converts unguided free-
fall bombs into accurate, adverse weather ``smart''
munitions. With the addition of a laser guidance nose kit,
the JDAM provides a capability to engage moving targets. The
GPS-only guided JDAMs are GBU-38/31 (500 and 2000lbs
respectively) and the Laser/OPS guided JDAMs are GBU-54/56
for the 500 and 2000lbs variants. The JDAM in UNCLASSIFIED;
technical data for JDAM is classified up to SECRET. Overall
system classification is SECRET.
24. JDAMs use the Global Positioning System (GPS) Precise
Positioning System (PPS), which provides for a more accurate
capability than the commercial version of GPS. Countries
approved for GPS PPS will be provided Group Unique Variable
(GUV) keys or unique country keys.
25. The AGM-154 is a family of low-cost standoff weapons
that are modular in design and incorporate either a sub-
munition or a unitary warhead. Potential targets for Joint
Standoff Weapon (JSOW) range from soft targets, such as troop
concentration, to hardened point targets like bunkers. AGM-
154C is used by the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, and
allows aircraft to attack well-defended targets in day,
night, and adverse weather conditions. AGM-154C is a
penetrator weapon that carries a BROACH warhead and pay load.
26. AGM-154 uses the Global Positioning System (GPS)
Precise Positioning System (PPS), which provides for a more
accurate capability than the commercial version of CPS.
27. The AGM-84L-1 Harpoon is a non-nuclear tactical weapon
system currently in service in the U.S. Navy and in 28 other
foreign nations. It provides a day, night, and adverse
weather, standoff air-to-surface capability. Harpoon Block II
is an effective Anti-Surface Warfare missile.
28. AGM-84L-1 uses the Global Positioning System (GPS)
Precise Positioning System (PPS), which provides for a more
accurate capability than the commercial version of GPS. The
following Harpoon components
[[Page S6457]]
being conveyed by the proposed sale that are considered
sensitive and are classified CONFIDENTIAL include: IIR
seeker, INS, OPP software and, missile operational
characteristics and performance data. The overall system
classification is SECRET.
29. The AGM-65H/K Maverick is an air-to-ground close air
support missile with a lock on before launch day or night
capability. The H model uses an optical device guidance
system that has the capability to penetrate haze and provides
high contrast and longer range target identification. The K
model uses the same guidance with a heavyweight penetrator
warhead. Maverick hardware is UNCLASSIFIED. The SECRET
aspects of the Maverick system are tactics, information
revealing its vulnerability to countermeasures, and counter-
countermeasures. Manuals and technical documents that are
necessary for operational use and organizational maintenance
are classified CONFIDENTIAL. Performance and countermeasure
design are SECRET. Overall system classification is SECRET.
30. The AGM-65 is launched from the aircraft using a LAU-
117 guided missile launcher. The LAU-117 provides the
mechanical and electrical interface between missile and
aircraft. The LAU-117 system is UNCLASSIFIED.
31. The AGM-88 High Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM)
weapon system is an air-to-ground missile intended to
suppress or destroy land or sea-based radar emitters
associated with enemy air defenses and provides tactical air
forces with a kinetic countermeasure to enemy radar-directed,
surface-to-air missiles, and air defense artillery weapons
systems. Destruction or suppression of enemy radars denies
the enemy the use of air defense systems and therefore
improving the survivability of our tactical aircraft. General
capabilities, performance characteristics and support
requirements are classified up to CONFIDENTIAL. The overall
system classification is SECRET.
32. The AGM-88 is launched from the aircraft using a LAU-
118 guided missile launcher. The LAU-118v I/A provides the
mechanical and electrical interface between missile and
aircraft. The LAU-118 system is UNCLASSIFIED.
33. M61A1 20mm Vulcan Cannon: The 20mm Vulcan cannon is a
six barreled automatic cannon chambered with 20x120mm
ammunition with a cyclic rate of fire from 2,500-6,000 shots
per minute. This weapon is a hydraulically powered air-cooled
gatlin gun used to damage/destroy aerial targets, suppress/
incapacitate personnel targets and damage or destroy moving
and stationary light materiel targets. The M61A1 and its
components are UNCLASSIFIED.
34. Qatar is both willing and able to protect United States
classified military information. Qatari physical and document
security standards are equivalent to U.S. standards. Qatar
demonstrated its willingness and capability to protect
sensitive military technology and information released to its
military in the past. Qatar is firmly committed to its
relationship with the United States and to its promise to
protect classified information and prevent its transfer to a
third party. This sale is needed in furtherance of USG
foreign policy and national security interests by helping to
improve the security of a vital partner in the CENTCOM AOR.
35. If a technologically advanced adversary were to obtain
knowledge of the specific hardware or software source code in
this proposed sale, the information could be used to develop
countermeasures which might reduce weapon system
effectiveness or be used in the development of systems with
similar or advance capabilities. The benefits to be derived
from this sale in the furtherance of the U.S. foreign policy
and national security objectives, as outlined in the Policy
Justification, outweigh the potential damage that could
result if the sensitive technology were revealed to
unauthorized persons.
36. All defense articles and services listed in this
transmittal are authorized for release and export to the
Government of Qatar.
____
Defense Security
Cooperation Agency,
Arlington, VA.
Hon. Bob Corker,
Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations,
U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: Pursuant to the reporting requirements
of Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as
amended, we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. 16-21,
concerning the Department of the Navy's proposed Letter(s) of
Offer and Acceptance to the Government of Kuwait for defense
articles and services estimated to cost $10.1 billion. After
this letter is delivered to your office, we plan to issue a
news release to notify the public of this proposed sale.
Sincerely,
J.W. Rixey,
Vice Admiral, USN, Director.
Enclosures.
Transmittal No. 16-21
Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to
Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as
amended
(i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Kuwait
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment* $ 6.3 billion.
Other $ 3.8 billion.
TOTAL $10.1 billion.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
Thirty-two (32) F/A-18E aircraft, with F414-GE-400 engines.
Eight (8) F/A-18F aircraft, with F414-GE-400 engines.
Eight (8) spare F414-GE-400 engines and Twenty-four (24)
engine modules.
Forty-one (41) AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned
Array (AESA) Radars.
Forty-four (44) M61A2 20mm Gun Systems.
Forty-five (45) AN/ALR-67(V)3 Radar Warning Receivers.
Two hundred and forty (240) LAU-127E/A Guided Missile
Launchers.
Forty-five (45) AN/ALE-47 Airborne Countermeasures
Dispenser Systems.
Twelve (12) AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Advanced Targeting Pods.
Forty-eight (48) Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems
(JHMCS).
Forty-five (45) AN/ALQ-214 Radio Frequency Counter-Measures
Systems.
Forty-five (45) AN/ALE-55 Towed Decoys.
Forty-eight (48) Link-16 Systems.
Eight (8) Conformal Fuel Tanks.
Fourteen (14) AN/ASQ-228 AT/FLIR Systems.
Non-MDE includes: ARC-210 radio (aircraft), Identification
Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles
(NVG), Launchers (LAU-115D/A, LAU-116B/A, LAU-1/18A), Command
Launch Computer (CLC) for Air to Ground Missile 88 (AGM-88),
ANAV/MAGR GPS Navigation, Joint Mission Planning System
(JMPS), aircraft spares, Aircraft Armament Equipment (AAE),
support equipment, aircrew/maintenance training, contractor
engineering technical service, logistics technical services,
engineering technical services, other technical assistance,
contractor logistics support, flight test services, storage
and preservation, aircraft ferry, Repair of Repairable (RoR),
support systems and associated logistics, training aides and
devices, spares, technical data Engineering Change Proposals,
avionics software support, software, technical publications,
engineering and program support, U.S. Government and
contractor engineering, technical and logistic support
services.
(iv) Military Department: Navy (KU-P-SBG).
(v) Prior Related Cases. if any: None.
(vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc. Paid, Offered, or Agreed
to be Paid: None.
(vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained in the Defense
Article or Defense Services Proposed to be Sold: See Annex
Attached.
(viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: November 17,
2016.
*As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION
The Government of Kuwait--F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Aircraft with Support
The Government of Kuwait has requested to purchase thirty-
two (32) F/A-18E aircraft, with F414-GE-400 engines; eight
(8) F/A-18F aircraft, with F414-GE-400 engines; eight (8)
spare F414-GE-400 engines and twenty-four (24) engine
modules; forty-one (41) AN/APG-79 Active Electronically
Scanned Array (AESA) Radars; forty-four (44) M61 A2 20mm Gun
Systems; forty-five (45) AN/ALR-67(V)3 Radar Warning
Receivers; two hundred and forty (240) LAU-127E/A Guided
Missile Launchers; forty-five (45) AN/ALE-47 Airborne
Countermeasures Dispenser Systems; twelve (12) AN/AAQ-33
SNIPER Advanced Targeting Pods; forty-eight (48) Joint Helmet
Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS); forty-five (45) AN/ALQ-214
Radio Frequency Counter-Measures Systems; forty-five (45) AN/
ALE-55 Towed Decoys; forty-eight (48) Link-16 Systems; eight
(8) Conformal Fuel Tanks; and fourteen (14) AN/ASQ-228 All-
LIR Systems. Also included in the sale are ARC-210 radio
(aircraft); Identification Friend or Foe (1FF) systems; AN/
AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles (NVG); Launchers (LAU-115D/A, LAU-
116B/A, LAU-1 18A); Command Launch Computer (CLC) for Air to
Ground Missile 88 (AGM-88); ANAV/MAGR GPS Navigation; Joint
Mission Planning System (JMPS); aircraft spares; Aircraft
Armament Equipment (AAE); support equipment; aircrew/
maintenance training; contractor engineering technical
service; logistics technical services; engineering technical
services; other technical assistance; contractor logistics
support; flight test services; storage and preservation;
aircraft ferry; Repair of Repairable (RoR); support systems
and associated logistics; training aides and devices; spares;
technical data Engineering Change Proposals; avionics
software support; software; technical publications;
engineering and program support; U.S. Government and
contractor engineering; technical and logistic support
services. The estimated total program cost is $10.1 billion.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy
and national security of the United States by helping to
improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that has been,
and continues to be, an important force for political and
economic progress in the Middle East. Kuwait is a strategic
partner in maintaining stability in the region. The
acquisition of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft will allow
for greater interoperability with U.S. forces, providing
benefits for training and possible future coalition
operations in support of shared regional security objectives.
The proposed sale of the F/A- 18E/F Super Hornet aircraft
will improve Kuwait's capability to meet current and future
warfare threats. Kuwait will use the enhanced capability to
strengthen its homeland defense.
[[Page S6458]]
The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft will supplement and
eventually replace the Kuwait Air Force's aging fighter
aircraft. Kuwait will have no difficulty absorbing this
aircraft into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not
alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractors will be The Boeing Company, St.
Louis, Missouri; Northrop Grumman in Los Angeles, California;
Raytheon Company in El Segundo, California; and General
Electric in Lynn, Massachusetts. Offsets agreements
associated with this proposed sale are expected; however,
specific agreements are undetermined and will be defined
during negotiations between the purchaser and contractor.
Kuwait requires contractors to satisfy an offset obligation
equal to 35 percent of the main contract purchase price for
any sale of defense articles in excess of three million
Kuwait Dinar, (approximately $10 million USD).
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the
assignment of contractor representatives to Kuwait on an
intermittent basis over the life of the case to support
delivery of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft and provide
support and equipment familiarization.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 16-21
Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to
Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act
Annex Item No. vii
(vii) Sensitivity of Technology:
1. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a single and two-seat,
twin-engine, multi-mission fighter/attack aircraft that can
operate from either aircraft carriers or land bases. The F/A-
18 fills a variety of roles: air superiority, fighter escort,
suppression of enemy air defenses, reconnaissance, forward
air control, close and deep air support, and day and night
strike missions. The F/A-18E/F Weapons System is classified
SECRET.
2. The AN/APO-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)
Radar System is classified SECRET. The radar provides the F/
A-18 aircraft with all-weather, multi-mission capability for
performing air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting and attack.
Air-to-air modes provide the capability for all-aspect target
detection, long-range search and track, automatic target
acquisition, and tracking of multiple targets. Air-to-surface
attack modes provide high-resolution ground mapping
navigation, weapon delivery, and sensor cueing. The system
component hardware (Antenna, Transmitter, Radar Data
Processor, and Power Supply) is UNCLASSIFIED. The Receiver-
Exciter hardware is CONFIDENTIAL. The radar Operational
Flight Program (OFP) is classified SECRET. Documentation
provided with the AN/APO-79 radar set is classified SECRET.
3. The AN/ALR-67(V)3 Electric Warfare Countermeasures
Receiving Set is classified CONFIDENTIAL. The AN/ALR-67(V)3
provides the F/A-18F aircrew with radar threat warnings by
detecting and evaluating friendly and hostile radar frequency
threat emitters and providing identification and status
information about the emitters to on-board Electronic Warfare
(EW) equipment and the aircrew. The OFP and User Data Files
(UDF) used in the AN/ALR-67(V)3 are classified SECRET. Those
software programs contain threat parametric data used to
identify and establish priority of detected radar emitters.
4. The AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing System is
classified SECRET. The AN/ALE-47 is a threat-adaptive
dispensing system that dispenses chaff, flares, and
expendable jammers for self-protection against airborne and
ground-based Radio Frequency and Infrared threats. The AN/
ALE-47 Programmer is classified CONFIDENTIAL. The OPP and
Mission Data Files used in the AN/ALE-47 are classified
SECRET. Those software programs contain algorithms used to
calculate the best defense against specific threats.
5. The AN/ALQ-214 is an advanced air-borne Integrated
Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM) programmable
modular automated system capable of intercepting,
identifying, processing received radar signals (pulsed and
continuous) and applying an optimum countermeasures technique
in the direction of the radar signal, thereby improving
individual aircraft probability of survival from a variety of
surface-to-air and air-to-air RF threats. The ALQ-214 was
designed to operate in a high-density Electromagnetic Hostile
Environment with the ability to identify and counter a wide
variety of multiple threats, including those with Doppler
characteristics. Hardware within the AN/ALQ-214 is classified
CONFIDENTIAL.
6. The Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Combined
Interrogator/Transponder (CIT) with the Conformal Antenna
System (CAS) is classified SECRET. The CDT is a complete
MARK-XIIA identification system compatible with (IFF) Modes
1, 2, 3/A, C4 and 5 (secure).
7. The Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) is a
modified HGU-55/P helmet that incorporates a visor-projected
Heads-Up Display (HUD) to cue weapons and aircraft sensors to
air and ground targets. In close combat, a pilot must
currently align the aircraft to shoot at a target. JHMCS
allows the pilot to simply look at a target to shoot Hardware
is UNCLASSIFIED; technical data and documents are classified
up to SECRET.
8. The AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Pod is a multi-sensor, electro-
optical targeting pod incorporating infrared, low-light
television camera, laser range-finder/target designator, and
laser spot tracker. It is used to provide navigation and
targeting for military aircraft in adverse weather and using
precision-guided weapons such as laser-guided bombs. It
offers much greater target resolution and imagery accuracy
than previous systems. The AN/AAQ-33 is UNCLASSIFIED.
9. The Joint Mission Planning System (IMPS) is SECRET. JMPS
will provide mission planning capability for support of
military aviation operations. The JMPS will be tailored to
the specific releasable configuration for the F/A-18 Super
Hornet.
10. The AN/AVS-9 NVG is a 3rd generation aviation NVG
offering higher resolution, high gain, and photo response to
near infrared. Hardware is UNCLASSIFIED, and technical data
and documentation to be provided are UNCLASSIFIED.
11. The AN/ALE-55 towed decoy improves aircraft
survivability by providing an enhanced, coordinated onboard/
off-board countermeasure response to enemy threats. When
threat libraries are installed, the AN/ALE-55 is classified
SECRET.
12. Link-16 is a secure data and voice communication
network. The system provides enhanced situational
communication awareness, positive identification of
participants within the network, secure fighter-to-fighter
connectivity, and secure voice capability. It can be
classified up to CONFIDENTIAL.
13. The LAU-127E/A Guided Missile Launchers is designed to
enable F/A-18 aircraft to carry and launch missiles. It
provides the electrical and mechanical interface between the
missile and launch aircraft as well as the two-way data
transfer between missile and cockpit controls and displays to
support preflight orientation and control circuits to prepare
and launch the missile. The LAU-127E/A is UNCLASSIFIED.
14. ANAV Global Positioning System (GPS) is a 24-channel
Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) based
pulse-per-second GPS receiver built for next generation GPS
technology.
15. Command Launch Computer (CLC) is an electronics
subsystem installed on the airframe to interface with the
AGM-88 NBIC HARM Missile. The CLC and associated software
package are compatible with all AGM-88 A/B/C missiles. The
CLC receives target data from the missile and onboard
avionics, processes the data for display to the Screw to the
appropriate display, determines target priority, and collects
aircraft data for pre-launch hand- off to the AGM-88 HARM
missile.
16. The AN/ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking
Infrared (ATFLIR) is a multi-sensor, electro-optical
targeting pod incorporating thermographic camera, low-light
television camera, target laser rangefinder/laser designator,
and laser spot tracker developed and manufactured by
Raytheon. It is used to provide navigation and targeting for
military aircraft in adverse weather and using precision-
guided munitions such as laser-guided bombs.
17. A determination has been made that the Government of
Kuwait, can provide substantially the same degree of
protection for the classified and sensitive technology being
released as the U.S. Government.
18. This sale is necessary in furtherance of the U.S.
foreign policy and national security objectives outlined in
the Policy Justification.
19. All defense articles and services listed in this
transmittal have been authorized for release and export to
the Government of Kuwait.
____________________