[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 9, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S101-S104]
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. 17-69,
concerning the Navy's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of Japan for defense articles
and services estimated to cost $133.3 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,
Charles W. Hooper,
Lieutenant General, USA,
Director.
Enclosures.
Transmittal No. 17-69
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 Japan.
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment * $123.0 million.
Other $10.3 million.
Total $133.3 million.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
Four (4) Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA Missiles.
Non-MDE: Also included are four (4) MK 29 missile
canisters, U.S. Government and contractor representatives'
technical assistance, transportation, engineering and
logistics support services, and other related elements of
logistical and program support.
(iv) Military Department: Navy (JA-P-ATB).
(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: January 9, 2018.
* As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION
Japan--Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA Missiles
Government of Japan has requested a possible sale of four
(4) Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA missiles. Also
included are four (4) MK 29 missile canisters, U.S.
Government and contractor representatives' technical
assistance, transportation, engineering and logistics support
services, and other related elements of logistical and
program support. The estimated total case value is $133.3
million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy
and national security of the United States by improving the
security of a major ally that has been, and continues to be,
a force for political stability and economic progress in the
Asia-Pacific region.
The proposed sale will provide Japan with an increased
ballistic missile defense capability to assist in defending
the Japanese homeland and U.S. personnel stationed there.
Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these additional
munitions and support into the Japan Maritime Self Defense
Force (JMSDF).
[[Page S102]]
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not
alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be Raytheon Missile Systems,
Tucson, AZ (SM-3); and BAE Systems, Minneapolis, MN (MK 29).
There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection
with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require annual
trips to Japan involving U.S. Government and contractor
representatives for technical reviews, support, and oversight
for approximately five years.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 17-69
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 proposed sale will involve the release of sensitive
technology to the Government of Japan related to the Standard
Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA missile. The ship- or ground-
launched SM-3 Block IIA is the most recent iteration in the
SM-3 family. It has two distinct new features: larger rocket
motors that will allow it to defend broader areas from
ballistic missile threats; and a larger kinetic warhead. The
kinetic warhead has been enhanced, improving the search,
discrimination, acquisition and tracking functions, to
address emerging threats. Once enclosed in the canister, the
SM-3 Block IIA missile is classified CONFIDENTIAL. The optics
hardware and signal processor are classified SECRET.
2. If a technologically advanced adversary were to obtain
knowledge of specific hardware, the information could be used
to develop countermeasures which might reduce weapons system
effectiveness or be used in the development of a system with
similar or advanced capabilities.
3. A determination has been made that Japan can provide
substantially the same degree of protection for sensitive
technology being released as the U.S. Government. This
proposed sustainment program is necessary to the furtherance
of the U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives
outlined in the policy justification.
4. All defense articles and services listed in this
transmittal are authorized for release and export to the
Government of Japan.
____
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. 17-50,
concerning the Air Force's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of Oman for defense articles and
services estimated to cost $62 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,
Charles W. Hooper,
Lieutenant General, USA,
Director.
Enclosures.
Transmittal No. 17-50
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 Oman.
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment * $0 million.
Other $62 million.
Total $62 million.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase: The Government of
Oman has requested a possible sale of items and services to
support an incremental Operational Flight Profile (OFP)
software upgrade for F-16 subsystems, as well as
Identification Friend or Foe (1FF) and secure communications
equipment for Mode 5 operations, on twenty-three (23) F-16
aircraft.
Major Defense Equipment (MDE): None.
Non-MDE includes: Non-MDE items and services consist of
twenty-nine (29) KIV-78 cryptographic/timing modules (twenty-
three (23) installed and six (6) spares); twenty-nine (29)
KY-100M cryptographic radio encryptors (twenty-three (23)
installed and six (6) spares); twenty-nine (29) AN/APX-126
Combined Interrogator Transponders (twenty-three (23)
installed and six (6) spares); Classified and Unclassified
Computer Program Identification Numbers (CPINS) upgrades; OFP
upgrades for IFF Mode 5 capable systems; Joint Mission
Planning (JMPS) upgrade; Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod
software, service support, support equipment, spares, and
training; systems support and test equipment; spare and
repair parts; publications and technical documentation;
training and training equipment; 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 (MU-D-QAR).
(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: January 5, 2018.
* As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION
Oman--F-16 Operational Flight Profile and Identification Friend or Foe
Mode 5 Upgrade
The Government of Oman has requested a possible sale of
items and services to support an incremental Operational
Flight Profile (OFP) software upgrade for F-16 subsystems, as
well as Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and secure
communications equipment for Mode 5 operations on twenty-
three (23) F-16 aircraft. Non-MDE items and services consist
of twenty-nine (29) KIV-78 cryptographic/timing modules
(twenty-three (23) installed and six (6) spares); twenty-nine
(29) KY-100M cryptographic radio encryptors (twenty-three
(23) installed and six (6) spares); twenty-nine (29) AN/APX-
126 Combined Interrogator Transponders (twenty-three (23)
installed and six (6) spares); Classified and Unclassified
Computer Program Identification Numbers (CPINS) upgrades; OFP
upgrades for IFF Mode 5 capable systems, Joint Mission
Planning (JMPS) upgrade; Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod
software, service support, support equipment, spares, and
training; systems support and test equipment; spare and
repair parts; publications and technical documentation;
training and training equipment; U.S. Government and
contractor engineering; logistics and technical support
services; and other related elements of logistics and program
support. The estimated cost is $62 million.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and
national security objectives of the United States by helping
to improve the security of a friendly country which has been,
and continues to be, an important force for political
stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
The proposed sale allows the U.S. military to support the
Royal Air Force of Oman, further strengthen the U.S.-Omani
military-to-military relationship, and ensure continued
interoperability of forces and opportunities for bilateral
training and exercises with Oman's military forces.
This proposed sale of items and services will enable Oman's
twenty-three (23) F-16s currently using Mode 4 IFF to become
interoperable on Mode 4/5. Mode 5 IFF allows U.S. and partner
airborne and surface armed forces to conduct complimentary
air operations. Incremental OFP software upgrades required to
support Mode 5 will provide additional incremental
improvement for other associated F-16 subsystems. Oman will
have no difficulty in absorbing these upgrades into its F-16
fleet.
This proposed sale of equipment and support will not alter
the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin of Fort Worth,
Texas. There are no known offset agreements proposed in
conjunction with this potential sale.
The proposed sale will not require the long-term assignment
of any additional U.S. Government or contractor
representatives to Oman.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 17-50
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 proposed sale of items and services to upgrade
Oman's F-16 aircraft will involve the release of sensitive
technology related to the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
and secure communications equipment.
2. The AN/APX-126 Combined Interrogator Transponder is an
IFF dual Mode 4 and 5 capable system. It is UNCLASSIFIED
unless/until Mode 4 and/or Mode 5 operational evaluator
parameters are loaded into the equipment, which are
classified up to SECRET. Classified elements of the IFF
system include software object code, operating
characteristics, parameters, and technical data. Mode 4 and
Mode 5 anti-jam performance specifications/data, software
source code, algorithms, and tempest plans or reports will
not be offered, released, discussed, or demonstrated.
3. KIV-78 is a crypto applique for Mode 5 IFF. The hardware
is UNCLASSIFIED unless loaded with Mode 4 and/or Mode 5
classified elements, which are classified up to SECRET.
4. KY-100M is a cryptographic encryptor for voice radios to
provide secure communication capabilities. The hardware is
UNCLASSIFIED unless loaded with cryptograph keys, which are
classified up to SECRET.
5. Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) is a multi-
platform, PC-based mission planning system. JMPS hardware is
UNCLASSIFIED, but the software is classified up to SECRET.
6. If a technologically advanced adversary were to obtain
knowledge of the specific hardware and software elements, the
information could be used to develop countermeasures that
might reduce weapon system effectiveness or be used in the
development of a system with similar or advanced
capabilities.
7. A determination has been made that Oman 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
[[Page S103]]
of the U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives
outlined in the policy justification.
8. All defense articles and services listed in this
transmittal are authorized for release and export to the
Government of Oman.
____
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. 17-63,
concerning the Navy's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of Mexico for defense articles
and services estimated to cost $98.4 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,
Charles W. Hooper,
Lieutenant General, USA,
Director.
Enclosures.
Transmittal No. 17-63
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 Mexico.
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment * $55.0 million.
Other $43.4 million.
Total $98.4 million.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
Six (6) RGM-84L Harpoon Block II Surface Launched Missiles.
Twenty-three (23) Block II Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM)
Tactical Missiles.
Six (6) MK 54 Mod 0 Lightweight Torpedoes.
Non-MDE includes: Also included are eight (8) MK 825 Mod 0
RAM Guided Missile Round Packs (GMRP) tri-pack shipping and
storage containers; RAM Block 2 MK 44 Mod 4 Guided Missile
Round Pack (GMRP); two (2) MK 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes
(SVTT) triple tube launchers; two hundred and fifty (250)
rounds of AA98 25 mm high explosive and semi-armor piercing
ammunition; seven hundred and fifty (750) rounds A976 25mm
target practice and tracer ammunition; four hundred and
eighty (480) rounds of BA22 57mm high explosive programmable
fuze ammunition; nine hundred and sixty (960) rounds of BA23
57mm practice ammunition; containers; spare and repair parts;
support and test equipment; publications and technical
documentation; personnel training and training equipment;
U.S. Government and contractor representatives' technical
assistance; engineering and logistics support services;
installation services; associated electronics and hardware to
control the launch of torpedoes; and other related elements
of logistics and program support.
(iv) Military Department: Navy.
(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: January 5, 2018.
* As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION
Government of Mexico--Harpoon Block II Missiles, RAM Missiles, and MK
54 Torpedoes
The Government of Mexico has requested to buy six (6) RGM-
84L Harpoon Block II surface launched missiles, twenty-three
(23) Block II Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) tactical
missiles and six (6) MK 54 Mod 0 lightweight torpedoes. Also
included are eight (8) MK 825 Mod 0 RAM Guided Missile Round
Packs (GMRP) tri-pack shipping and storage containers; RAM
Block 2 MK 44 Mod 4 Guided Missile Round Pack (GMRP); two (2)
MK 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes (SVTT) triple tube
launchers; two hundred and fifty (250) rounds of AA98 25 mm
high explosive and semi-armor piercing ammunition; seven
hundred and fifty (750) rounds A976 25mm target practice and
tracer ammunition; four hundred and eighty (480) rounds of
BA22 57mm high explosive programmable fuze ammunition; nine
hundred and sixty (960) rounds of BA23 57mm practice
ammunition; containers; spare and repair parts; support and
test equipment; publications and technical documentation;
personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government
and contractor representatives' technical assistance;
engineering and logistics support services; installation
services; associated electronics and hardware to control the
launch of torpedoes; and other related elements of logistics
and program support. The estimated cost is $98.4 million.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and
national security of the United States by helping to improve
the security of a strategic partner. Mexico has been a strong
partner in combating organized crime and drug trafficking
organizations. The sale of these ship-based systems to Mexico
will significantly increase and strengthen its maritime
capabilities. Mexico intends to use these defense articles
and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its
existing naval and maritime support of national security
requirements and in its efforts to combat criminal
organizations.
Mexico intends to use the weapon systems on its Mexican
Navy Sigma 10514 Class ship. The systems will provide
enhanced capabilities in effective defense of critical sea
lanes. The proposed sale of these systems and support will
increase the Mexican Navy's maritime partnership potential
and align its capabilities with existing regional navies.
Mexico has not purchased these systems previously. Mexico
will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its
armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment will not alter the
basic military balance in the region.
The equipment will be provided from U.S. stocks. There are
no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this
potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require annual
trips to Mexico involving U.S. Government personnel and
contractor representatives for technical reviews, support,
and oversight for approximately two years.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 17-63
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 MK 32 SVTT system is UNCLASSIFIED, but the system
has one classified firmware card that controls launches. The
system is currently in service in the U.S. Navy and in
various other foreign nations that utilize shipboard launched
torpedoes. The firmware card is essential to the ability of
the system to successfully launch torpedoes when directed by
the shipboard command and control system.
2. The RGM-84L Harpoon Surface Launched Block II missile
system, to include publications, documentation, operations,
supply, maintenance, and training to be conveyed with this
proposed sale have the highest classification level of
CONFIDENTIAL. The Harpoon Block II missile is a non-nuclear
tactical weapon system currently in service in the U.S. Navy
and in 29 other foreign nations. It provides a day, night,
and adverse weather, standoff surface-to-surface capability
and is an effective Anti-Surface Warfare missile. The RGM-84L
incorporates components, software, and technical design
information that are considered SENSITIVE.
3. The following components being conveyed by the proposed
sale are considered sensitive and are classified
CONFIDENTIAL:
a. The Radar Seeker
b. The GPS/INS System
c. Operational Flight Program Software
d. Missile operational characteristics and performance data
These elements are essential for the Harpoon Block II
missile to selectively engage hostile targets under a wide
range of operational, tactical and environmental conditions.
The version being sold to Mexico is not the Coastal Target
Suppression land attack missile version.
4. MK 54 All-Up-Round Lightweight (Warshot) torpedoes and
associated support equipment, training, test equipment, and
technical support; Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORPs);
and Exercise Torpedoes (EXTORPs) are associated with this
sale. The MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo (LWT) can be launched
from surface ships, helicopters, and fixed wing aircraft. The
MK 54 LWT is an upgrade to the MK 46 Torpedo. The MK 54 LWT
contains new sonar, guidance and control systems with modern
technology. The new guidance and control system uses a
mixture of commercial-off-the-shelf and custom-built
electronics. The warhead, fuel tank, and propulsion system
from the MK 46 torpedo are re-used in the MK 54 configuration
with minor modifications. The MK 54 is highly effective
against modern diesel and nuclear submarines. It has advanced
logic that allows it to detect and prosecute threat
submarines operating in challenging littoral environments. It
is also effective in the presence of advanced countermeasures
that may be deployed by threat submarines. The assembled MK
54 torpedo and several of its individual components are
classified CONFIDENTIAL. The MK 54 operational software is
classified as SECRET as is any hardware upon which the
software has been installed. Mexico has not requested nor
will it be provided the source code for the MK 54 operational
software. The MK 54 has a feature referred to as ``Memory
Scuttle'' that erases the operational software at the
conclusion of any exercise firing so that the software will
not be compromised if the torpedo is not recovered after the
exercise firing. Possession of MK 54 Torpedoes and associated
equipment should not lead to any vulnerability disclosures.
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
Mexico 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
[[Page S104]]
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 Mexico.
____________________