[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 109 (Monday, June 26, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3761-S3764]
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. 17-12,
concerning the Air Force's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of Australia for defense
articles and services estimated to cost $1.3 billion. After
this letter is delivered to your office, we plan
[[Page S3762]]
to issue a news release to notify the public of this proposed
sale.
Sincerely,
J.W. Rixey,
Vice Admiral, USN, Director.
Transmittal No. 17-12
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 Australia.
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment* $0.04 billion.
Other $1.26 billion.
Total $1.30 billion.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
The Government of Australia requested the sale of up to
five (5) Gulfstream G-550 aircraft modified to integrate
Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and
Electronic Warfare (AISREW) mission systems, Global
Positioning System (GPS) capability, secure communications,
aircraft defensive systems, and whole life costs of airborne
and ground segments.
This proposed sale includes up to five (5) AN/AAQ-24 (V)N
Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) systems, and
additional sub-component spares. Each prime LAIRCM system
will consist of: one (1) Guardian Laser Terminal Assemblies
(GLTA), five (5) Infrared Missile Warning Sensors, (IRMWS),
one (1) LAIRCM System Processor Replacements (LSPR) MDE
items, one (1) LAIRCM System Processor Replacements (LSPR),
one (1) Control Indicator Unit Replacement (CIUR), one (1)
Smart Card Assembly (SCA), one (1) High Capacity Card (HCC),
and one (1) User Data Memory (UDM) card. Also included are:
MX-20 HD Electro-Optical and Infrared systems, Osprey 50 AESA
Radars, AISREW equipment, secure communications equipment,
and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Systems. These systems
will be installed on up to five (5) G-550 aircraft.
Major Defense Equipment (MDR):
Eight (8) GLTA AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (5 installed and 3 spares).
Twenty-nine (29) IRMWS (25 installed and 4 spares).
Six (6) LSPR AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (5 installed and 1 spare).
Six (6) Embedded/GPS/INS (EGI) with GPS Security Devices,
Airborne (5 installed and1 spare).
Seven (7) Multifunctional Information Distribution
Systems--Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) (5 installed
and 2 spares).
Non-MDE includes: Also included in this sale are up to five
(5) G-550 Aircraft, CIURs, SCAs, HCCs and UDM cards, AN/ALE-
47 Countermeasure Dispenser Sets (CMDS), MX-20HD Electro-
Optical and Infra-Red systems, Osprey 50 AESA Radars, AISREW
ISR equipment, Secure Communications equipment,
Identification Friend or Foe Systems, aircraft modification
and integration, ground systems for data processing and crew
training, ground support equipment, publications and
technical data, U.S. Government and contractor engineering,
technical and logistics support services, flight test and
certification, and other related elements of logistical and
program support.
(iv) Military Department: Air Force (QCS).
(v) Prior Related Cases if any: AT-D-SAA & AT-D-GCA.
(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: June 23, 2017.
*As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION
Australia-Gulfstream-G550 Aircraft with Airborne Intelligence,
Surveillance. Reconnaissance, and Electronic Warfare (AISREW) Mission
Systems
The Government of Australia requested the possible sale of
up to five (5) Gulfstream G-550 aircraft modified to
integrate Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance,
Reconnaissance, and Electronic Warfare (AISREW) mission
systems, Global Positioning System (GPS) capability, secure
communications, aircraft defensive systems; spares, including
whole life costs of airborne and ground segments; aircraft
modification and integration; ground systems for data
processing and crew training; ground support equipment;
publications and technical data; U.S. Government and
contractor engineering, technical and logistics support
services; flight test and certification; and other related
elements of logistical and program support. The total
estimated program cost is $1.3 billion.
This sale will contribute to the foreign policy and
national security of the United States by helping to improve
the security of a major contributor to political stability,
security, and economic development in the Western Pacific.
Australia is an important Major non-NATO Ally and partner
that contributes significantly to peacekeeping and
humanitarian operations around the world. It is vital to the
U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and
maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.
The proposed sale supports and complements the ongoing
efforts of Australia to modernize its Electronic Warfare
capability and increases interoperability between the U.S.
Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment
into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment does not alter the
basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractors will be L3 of Greenville, TX. There
are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with
this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale may require the
assignment of up to six (6) U.S. contractor representatives
to Australia.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No, 17-12
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 will involve the release of sensitive
technology to Australia. Sensitive and/or classified (up to
SECRET) elements of the proposed sale include the AN/AAQ-24
(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM)
systems, Embedded/GPS/INS (EGI) with security devices,
Airborne, Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems--
Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS), AN/ALE-47
Countermeasure Dispenser Set (CMDS), MX-20HD Electro-Optical
and Infra-Red systems, Osprey 50 AESA Radars, and Airborne
Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic
(AISREW) mission system.
2. The AN/AAQ-24 (V)N LAIRCM is a self-contained, directed
energy countermeasures system designed to protect aircraft
from infrared (IR)-guided surface-to-air missiles. The system
features digital technology and micro-miniature solid state
electronics. The system operates in all conditions, detecting
incoming missiles and jamming infrared-seeker equipped
missiles with aimed bursts of laser energy. The LAIRCM system
consists of multiple Infrared Missile Warning System (IRMWS)
Sensors, Guardian Laser Turret Assembly (GLTA), LAIRCM System
Processor Replacement (LSPR), Control Indicator Unit
Replacement (CIUR), and a classified High Capacity Card
(HCC), and User Data Memory (UDM) card. The HCC is loaded
into the CIUR prior to flight. When the classified HCC is not
in use, it is removed from the CIUR and placed in onboard
secure storage. LAIRCM Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) hardware
is classified SECRET when the HCC is inserted into the CIUR.
LAIRCM system software, including Operational Flight Program
is classified SECRET. Technical data and documentation to be
provided are UNCLASSIFIED.
The set of IRMWS Sensor units are mounted on the aircraft
exterior to provide omnidirectional protection. The IRMWS
Sensor warns of threat missile approach by detecting
radiation associated with the rocket motor. The IRMWS is a
small, lightweight, passive, electro-optic, threat warning
device used to detect surface-to-air missiles fired at
helicopters and low-flying fixed-wing aircraft and
automatically provides countermeasures, as well as audio and
visual warning messages to the aircrew. The basic system
consists of multiple IRMWS Sensor units, one (1) GLTA, LSPR
and CIUR. The set of IRMWS units (each A-330 MRTT has five
(5)) mounted on the aircraft exterior to provide omni-
directional protection. Hardware is UNCLASSIFIED. Software is
SECRET. Technical data and documentation to be provided are
UNCLASSIFIED.
3. Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint
Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) is an advanced Link-16
command, control, communications, and intelligence (C3I)
system incorporating high-capacity, jam-resistant, digital
communication links for exchange of near real-time tactical
information, including both data and voice, among air,
ground, and sea elements. The MIDS JTRS 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.
4. The AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Set (CMDS)
provides an integrated threat-adaptive, computer controlled
capability for dispensing chaff, flares, and active radio
frequency expendables. The AN/ALE-47 system enhances aircraft
survivability in sophisticated threat environments.
The threats countered by the CMDS include radar-directed
anti-aircraft artillery (AAA), radar command-guided missiles,
radar homing guided missiles, and infrared (IR) guided
missiles. The system is internally mounted and may be
operated as a stand-alone system or may be integrated with
other on-board Electronic Warfare (EW) and avionics systems.
The AN/ALE-47 uses threat data received over the aircraft
interfaces to assess the threat situation and determine a
response. Expendable routines tailored to the immediate
aircraft and threat environment may be dispensed using one of
four operational modes. Hardware is UNCLASSIFIED. Software is
SECRET. Technical data and documentation to be provided is
UNCLASSIFIED.
5. The Embedded GPS-INS (EGI) LN-200 is a sensor that
combines GPS and inertial sensor inputs to provide accurate
location information for navigation and targeting. The
[[Page S3763]]
EGI LN-200 is UNCLASSIFIED. The GPS crypto-variable keys
needed for the highest GPS accuracy are classified up to
SECRET.
6. Wescam MX-20HD is a gyro-stabilized, multi-spectral,
multi-field of view Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) system.
The systems provide surveillance laser illumination and laser
designation through use of an externally mounted turret
sensor unit and internally mounted master control. Sensor
video imagery is displayed in the aircraft real time and may
be recorded for subsequent ground analysis. Hardware is
UNCLASSIFIED. Technical data and documentation to be provided
is UNCLASSIFIED.
7. The Osprey family of surveillance radars provides second
generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AFSA)
surveillance capability as the primary sensor on airborne
assets. The Osprey radars are at a high technology readiness
level and are in production for fixed and rotary wing
applications. This Osprey configuration employs a side-
looking radar. Osprey radars provide a genuine multi-domain
capability, with high performance sea surveillance, notably
against ``difficult targets, land surveillance with wide
swath, very high resolution ground mapping small and low
speed ground target indication, high performance air to air
surveillance, tracking and intercept.
8. The AISREW mission system provides near-real-time
information to tactical forces, combatant commanders and
national-level authorities across the spectrum of conflict.
The mission system can forward gathered information in a
variety of formats via secured communications systems. Most
hardware used in this AISREW system is generic and
commercially available. However, if any of the specialized
hardware or publications are lost, the information could
provide insight into many critical U.S. capabilities.
Information gained could be used to develop countermeasures
as well as offensive and defensive counter-tactics.
9. If a technologically advanced adversary were to obtain
knowledge of the specific hardware and software elements, the
information could be used to develop countermeasures or
equivalent system which might reduce system effectiveness or
be used in the development of a system with similar or
advanced capabilities.
10. A determination has been made that Australia can
provide substantially the same degree of protection for the
sensitive technology being released as the U.S. Government.
This sale is necessary in furtherance of the U.S. foreign
policy and national security objectives outlined in the
Policy Justification.
11. All defense articles and services listed in this
transmittal have been authorized for release and export to
Australia,
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. 17-33,
concerning the Air Force's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of India for defense articles
and services estimated to cost $366.2 million. 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.
Transmittal No. 17-33
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: The Government of India.
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment* $285.0 million.
Other $ 81.2 million.
Total $366.2 million.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
One (1) C-17 Transport Aircraft.
Four (4) Engines, Turbofan F-117-PW-100.
Non-MDE includes: Also included in the proposed sale are
one (1) AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System, one (1) AN/ALE-47
Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS), one (1) AN/APX-119
Identification Friend or Foe (Lit) Transponder, precision
navigation equipment, spare and repair parts, maintenance,
support and test equipment, publications and technical
documentation, warranty, quality assurance, ferry support,
U.S. Government and contractor engineering, logistics and
technical support services, and other related elements of
logistics and program support.
(iv) Military Department: Air Force (X7-D-SAE).
(v) Prior Related Cases, if any: IN-D-SAC--$4.12B, 29 Jun
2011.
(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: June 26, 2017.
*As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION
Government of India--C-17 Transport Aircraft
The Government of India has requested the possible sale of
one (1) C-17 transport aircraft with four (4) Turbofan F-117-
PW-100 engines. The sale would also include one (1) AN/AAR-47
Missile Warning System, one (1) AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures
Dispensing System (CMDS), one (1) AN/APX-119 Identification
Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponder, precision navigation
equipment, spare and repair parts, maintenance, support and
test equipment, publications and technical documentation,
warranty, Quality Assurance, ferry support, U.S. Government
and contractor engineering, logistics and technical support
services, and other related elements of logistics and program
support. The estimated cost is $366.2 million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy
and national security of the United States by helping to
strengthen the U.S.-India relationship and to improve the
security of an important partner which has been, and
continues to be, an important force for economic progress and
stability in South Asia.
The proposed sale will improve India's capability to meet
current and future strategic airlift requirements. India lies
in a region prone to natural disasters and will use the
additional capability for Humanitarian Assistance and
Disaster Relief (HA/DR). In addition, through this purchase
India will be able to provide more rapid strategic combat
airlift capabilities for its armed forces. India currently
operates C-17 aircraft and will have no difficulty absorbing
this aircraft into its armed forces.
The proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance
in the region.
The principal contractor will be the Boeing Company,
Chicago, IL. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any
offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the
purchaser and the contractor.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the
assignment of any additional U.S. Government personnel or
contractor representatives to India.
There will be no adverse impact on S. defense readiness as
a result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 17-33
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 Boeing C-17A Globemaster III military airlift
aircraft is the most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the
U.S. Air Force fleet. The C-17 is capable of strategic
delivery of up to 170,900 pounds of personnel and/or
equipment to main operating bases or forward operating
locations. The aircraft is also capable short field landings
with a full cargo load. The aircraft can perform tactical
airlift and airdrop missions as well as transport litters and
ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuation when
required. A fully integrated electronic cockpit and advanced
cargo delivery system allow a crew of three: pilot, co-pilot,
and loadmaster, to operate the aircraft on any type of
mission.
2. The AN/AAR-47 is a small, lightweight, passive, electro-
optic, threat warning device used to detect surface-to-air
missiles fired at helicopters and low-flying fixed-wing
aircraft and automatically provide countermeasures, as well
as audio and visual-sector warning messages to the aircrew.
The basic system consists of multiple Optical Sensor
Converter (OSC) units, a Computer Processor (CP) and a
Control Indicator (CI). The set of OSC units, which normally
consists of four, is mounted on the aircraft exterior to
provide omni-directional protection. The OSC detects the
rocket plume of missiles and sends appropriate signals to the
CP for processing. The CP analyzes the data from each OSC and
automatically deploys the appropriate countermeasures, The CP
also contains comprehensive Built-in-Test (BIT) circuitry.
The CI displays the incoming direction of the threat, so that
the pilot can take appropriate action. Hardware is
UNCLASSIFIED. Software is SECRET. Technical data and
documentation to be provided are UNCLASSIFIED.
3. The AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS)
is an integrated, threat-adaptive, software-programmable
dispensing system capable of dispensing chaff, flares, and
active radio frequency expendables. The threats countered by
the CMDS include radar-directed antiaircraft artillery (AAA),
radar command-guided missiles, radar homing guided missiles,
and infrared (IR) guided missiles. The system is internally
mounted and may be operated as a standalone system or may be
integrated with other on-board electronic warfare and
avionics systems. The AN/ALE-47 uses threat data received
over the aircraft interfaces to assess the threat situation
and to determine a response. Expendable decoys tailored to
the immediate aircraft and threat environment may be
dispensed using one of four operational modes. The hardware,
technical data, and documentation to be provide are
UNCLASSIFIED.
4. The AN/APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
Digital Transponder is an identification system designed for
command and control. It enables military and civilian air
traffic control interrogation systems to identify aircraft.
The hardware, technical data, and documentation to be
provided are UNCLASSIFIED.
[[Page S3764]]
5. If a technologically advanced adversary were to obtain
knowledge of the specific hardware and software elements, the
information could be used to develop countermeasures or
equivalent systems which might reduce weapon system
effectiveness or be used in the development of a system with
similar or advanced capabilities.
6. A determination has been made that the Government of
India can provide substantially the same degree of protection
for the sensitive technology being released as the U.S.
Government. This proposed sale is necessary to the
furtherance of the U.S, foreign policy and national security
objectives outlined in the Policy Justification.
7. All defense articles and services listed in this
transmittal are authorized for release and export to the
Government of India.
____________________