[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 11 (Thursday, January 18, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S295-S297]
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. 17-80,
concerning the Air Force's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of Belgium for defense articles
and services estimated to cost $6.53 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,
Charles W. Hooper,
Lieutenant General, USA, Director.
Enclosures.
Transmittal No. 17-80
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 Belgium
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment* $4.53 billion
Other $2.00 billion
Total $6.53 billion
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
Thirty-four (34) F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional
Take Off and Landing (CTOL) Aircraft.
Thirty-eight (38) Pratt & Whitney F-135 Engines (34
installed, 4 spares).
Non-MDE: Also included are Electronic Warfare Systems;
Command, Control, Communications, Computer and Intelligence/
Communications, Navigational, and Identification (C4I/CNI);
Autonomic Logistics Global Support System (ALGS); Autonomic
Logistics Information System (ALIS); Full Mission Trainer;
Weapons Employment Capability, and other Subsystems,
Features, and Capabilities; F-35 unique infrared flares;
Reprogramming center; F-35 Performance Based Logistics;
software development/integration; aircraft ferry and tanker
support; support equipment; tools and test equipment;
communications equipment; spares and repair parts; personnel
training and training equipment; publications and technical
documents; U.S. Government and contractor engineering and
logistics personnel services; and other related elements of
logistics and program support.
(iv) Military Department: Air Force (BE-D-SAD).
(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 18, 2018.
*As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION
Belgium--F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft
The Government of Belgium has requested to buy thirty-four
(34) F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take Off and
Landing (CTOL) aircraft, and thirty-eight (38) Pratt &
Whitney F-135 engines (34 installed, 4 spares). Also included
are Electronic Warfare Systems; Command, Control,
Communications, Computer and Intelligence/Communications,
Navigational, and Identification (C4VCNI); Autonomic
Logistics Global Support System (ALGS); Autonomic Logistics
Information System (ALIS); Full Mission Trainer, Weapons
Employment Capability, and other Subsystems, Features, and
Capabilities; F-35 unique infrared flares; Reprogramming
center; F-35 Performance Based Logistics; software
development/integration; aircraft ferry and tanker support;
support equipment; tools and test equipment; communications
equipment; spares and repair parts; personnel training and
training equipment; publications and technical documents;
U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics
personnel services; and other related elements of logistics
and program support. The estimated total case value is $6.53
billion.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy
and national security of the United States by helping to
improve the security of an ally and partner nation which has
been, and continues to be, an important force for political
and economic stability in Western Europe.
This proposed sale of F-35s will provide Belgium with a
credible defense capability to deter aggression in the region
and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces. The proposed
sale will augment Belgium's operational aircraft inventory
and enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense
capability. Belgium will have no difficulty absorbing these
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 Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Company, Fort Worth, TX; and Pratt & Whitney Military
Engines, East Hartford, CT. This proposal is being offered in
the context of a competition. If the proposal is accepted, it
is expected that offset agreements will be required. All
offsets are defined in negotiations between the Purchaser and
the contractor.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple
trips to Belgium involving U.S. Government and contractor
representatives for technical reviews/support, program
management, and training over the life of the program. U.S.
contractor representatives will be required in Belgium to
conduct Contractor Engineering Technical Services (CETS) and
Autonomic Logistics and Global Support (ALGS) for after-
aircraft delivery.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.
[[Page S296]]
Transmittal No. 17-80
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-35 Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) Block
3 aircraft is classified SECRET, except as noted below. It
contains current technology representing the F-35 low
observable airframe/outer mold line, Pratt & Whitney engine,
radar, integrated core processor central computer, mission
systems/electronic warfare suite, a multiple sensor suite,
operational flight and maintenance trainers, technical data/
documentation, and associated software. As the aircraft and
its subsystems are under development, many specific
identifying equipment/system nomenclatures have not been
assigned to date. Sensitive and classified elements of the F-
35 CTOL Block 3 aircraft include hardware, accessories,
components, and associated software for the following major
subsystems:
a. The Propulsion system is classified SECRET and contains
technology representing the latest state-of-the-art in
several areas. Information on performance and inherent
vulnerabilities is classified SECRET. Software (object code)
is classified SECRET. The single 40,000-lb thrust class
engine is designed for low observability and has been
integrated into the aircraft system. Pratt & Whitney, with
the F-135, is developing and producing engine turbo machinery
compatible with the F-35 and assures highly reliable,
affordable performance. The engine is designed to be utilized
in all F-35 variants, providing unmatched commonality and
supportability throughout the worldwide base of F-35 users.
The CTOL propulsion configuration consists of a main engine,
diverterless supersonic inlet, and a Low Observable
Axisymmetric Nozzle (LOAN).
b. The AN/APG-81 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)
provides mission systems with air-to-air and air-to-ground
tracks which the mission system uses as a component to sensor
fusion. The AESA allows the radar to direct RF energy in a
way that does not expose the F-35, allowing it to maintain
low observability in high-threat environments. The radar
subsystem supports integrated system performance for air-to-
air missions by providing search, track, identification, and
AIM-120 missile data link functionality. The radar also
provides synthetic aperture radar mapping for locating
surface targets and weather mapping for weather avoidance.
The radar functions are tightly integrated, interleaved, and
managed by an interface to sensor management functions within
mission software. The hardware and software are classified
SECRET.
c. The Electro Optical Targeting System (EOTS) contains
technology representing the latest state-of-the-art in
several areas. Information on performance and inherent
vulnerabilities is classified SECRET. Software (object code)
is classified SECRET. The EOTS subsystem to the sensor suite
provides long-range detection and tracking, Infrared Search
and Track (IRST) capability, a Forward-Looking Infrared
(FLIR) sensor for precision tracking, and Bomb Damage
Indication (BDI) capability. EOTS replaces multiple separate
internal or podded systems typically found on legacy
aircraft. The functionality of the EOTS employs the following
modes: Targeting FLIR; Laser Range-Finding and Target
Designation; EO DAS and EOTS Performance.
d. The Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (EODAS)
is a subsystem to the sensor suite and provides full
spherical coverage for air-to-air and air-to-ground detection
and Navigation Forward Looking Infrared (NFLIR) imaging. The
system contains both SECRET and UNCLASSIFIED elements and
contains technology representing the latest state-of-the-art
in several areas. Information on performance and inherent
vulnerabilities is classified SECRET. Software (object code)
is classified SECRET. The NFLIR capability provides infrared
(IR) imagery directly to the pilot's Helmet-Mounted Display
(HMD) for navigation in total darkness, including takeoff and
landing, and provides a passive IR input to the F-35's sensor
fusion algorithms. The all-aspect missile warning function
provides time-critical warnings of incoming missiles and cues
other subsystems to provide effective countermeasure
employment. EODAS also provides an IRST function that can
create and maintain Situational Awareness-quality tracks
(SAIRST). EODAS is a mid-wave Infrared (IR) system consisting
of six identical sensors distributed around the F-35
aircraft. Each sensor has a corresponding airframe window
panel integrated with the aircraft structure to meet
aerodynamic and stealth requirements.
e. The Electronic Warfare (EW) system contains technology
representing the latest state-of-the-art in several areas.
Information on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is
classified SECRET. Software (object code) is classified
SECRET. Sensitive elements include: apertures; radio
frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) countermeasures; and
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) techniques and features. The
reprogrammable, integrated system provides radar warning and
electronic support measures (ESM) along with a fully
integrated countermeasures (CM) system. The EW system is the
primary subsystem used to enhance situational awareness,
targeting support and self defense through the search,
intercept, location and identification of in-band emitters
and to automatically counter IR and RF threats. The IR and RF
countermeasures are classified SECRET. This system uses low
signature-embedded apertures, located in the aircraft control
surface edges, to provide direction finding and
identification of surface and airborne emitters and the geo-
location of surface emitters. The system is classified
SECRET.
f. The Command, Control, Communications, Computers and
Intelligence/Communications, Navigation, and Identification
(C4I/CNI) system provides the pilot with unmatched
connectivity to flight members, coalition forces, and the
battlefield. It is an integrated subsystem designed to
provide a broad spectrum of secure, anti-jam, covert voice
and data communications, precision radio navigation and
landing capability, self-identification, beyond visual range
target identification, and connectivity with off-board
sources of information. The functionality is tightly
integrated within the mission system for enhanced efficiency
and effectiveness in the areas of communications, navigation,
identification, and sensor fusion. Information on performance
and inherent vulnerabilities is classified SECRET. Software
(object code) is classified SECRET. The CNI function includes
both SECRET and UNCLASSIFIED elements. Sensitive elements of
the CNI subsystems include:
(1) The VHF/UHF Voice and Data (Plain and Secure)
Communication functionality includes air-to-air UHF/VHF voice
and data, both clear and secure, to provide communications
with other friendly and coalition aircraft, air-to-ground UHF
voice to provide communications with ground sites, and
intercommunication voice and tone alerts to provide
communications between the avionics system and the pilot.
UHF/VHF downlink of air vehicle status and maintenance
information is provided to notify the ground crews of the
amounts and types of stores, fuel, and other supplies or
equipment needed to quickly turn the aircraft for the next
mission. The system contains both SECRET and UNCLASSIFIED
elements and contains technology representing the latest
state-of-the-art in several areas. Information on performance
and inherent vulnerabilities is classified SECRET. Software
(object code) is classified SECRET.
(2) The Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) functionality
provides operational modes to identify ground station and to
provide bearing-to-station, slant range-to-ground station,
bearing-to-airborne station and slant range to the nearest
airborne station or aircraft. TACAN is not unique to the F-35
aircraft but is standard on most U.S. Air Force aircraft.
Information on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is
classified SECRET. Software (object code) is classified
SECRET.
(3) The Identification Friend or Foe Interrogator and
Transponder Identification functionality consists of
integrated Mark XII Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
transponder capability to provide identification of other
friendly forces. The CNI system supports sensor fusion by
supplying data from IFF interrogations and off-board sources
through the intra-flight data link. The system contains both
SECRET and UNCLASSIFIED elements and contains technology
representing the latest state-of-the-art in several areas.
Information on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is
classified SECRET. Software (object code) is classified
SECRET.
(4) The Global Positioning System Navigation functionality
includes the Global Positioning System (GPS) aided inertial
navigation to provide high-quality positional navigation, and
the Instrument Landing System (ILS)/Tactical Air Control and
Navigation (TACAN) to provide navigation and landing cues
within controlled airspace. Information on performance and
inherent vulnerabilities is classified SECRET. Software
(object code) is classified SECRET.
(5) The Multi-Function Advanced Data Link (MADL) is used
specifically for communications between F-35 aircraft and has
a very low probability of intercept, contributing to covert
operations. The system contains both SECRET and UNCLASSIFIED
elements and contains technology representing the latest
state-of-the-art in several areas. Information on performance
and inherent vulnerabilities is classified SECRET. Software
(object code) is classified SECRET.
(6) The Inertial Navigation System is an all-attitude, Ring
Laser Gyro-based navigation system providing outputs of
linear and angular acceleration, velocity, body angular
rates, position, altitude (roll, pitch, and platform
azimuth), magnetic and true heading, altitude, and time tags.
Information on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is
classified SECRET. Software (object code) is classified
SECRET.
(7) The Radar Altimeter functionality is a module provided
in the CNI system rack 3A and uses separate transmit and
receive antennae. It measures and reports altitude, and
altitude rate of change. Control data is transferred over to
a configurable avionics interface card which translates the
information to the F-35 aircraft computers. Information on
performance and inherent vulnerabilities is classified
SECRET. Software (object code) is classified SECRET.
(8) The Instrument Landing System (ILS) measures, and
reports azimuth course and alignment, elevation course
alignment, and distance to the runway. Data from the ILS is
used to drive visual flight instrumentation. Information on
performance and inherent vulnerabilities is classified
SECRET. Software (object code) is classified SECRET.
[[Page S297]]
(9) The Tactical Data Link is a secure broadcast Tactical
Digital Information Link (TADIL) used for real-time voice/
data exchange for command and control, relative navigation,
and Precise Position Location Identification (PPLI),
providing Link-16 type capabilities. The system contains both
SECRET and UNCLASSIFIED elements and contains technology
representing the latest state-of-the-art in several areas.
Information on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is
classified SECRET. Software (object code) is classified
SECRET.
g. The F-35 Autonomic Logistics Global Sustainment (ALGS)
includes both SECRET and UNCLASSIFIED elements. It provides a
fully integrated logistics management solution. ALGS
integrates a number of functional areas, including supply
chain management, repair, support equipment, engine support,
and training. The ALGS infrastructure employs a state-of-the-
art information system that provides real-time, decision-
worthy information for sustainment decisions by flight line
personnel. Prognostic health monitoring technology is
integrated with the air system and is crucial to the
predictive maintenance of vital components.
h. The F-35 Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS)
includes both SECRET and UNCLASSIFIED elements. The ALIS
provides an intelligent information infrastructure that binds
all of the key concepts of ALGS into an effective support
system. ALIS establishes the appropriate interfaces among the
F-35 Air Vehicle, the warfighter, the training system,
government information technology (IT) systems, JSF
operations, and supporting commercial enterprise systems.
Additionally, ALIS provides a comprehensive tool for data
collection and analysis, decision support, and action
tracking.
i. The F-35 Training System includes both SECRET and
UNCLASSIFIED elements. The Training System includes several
types of training devices, to provide for integrated training
of both pilots and maintainers. The pilot training device
includes a Full Mission Simulator (FMS). The maintainer
training devices include an Aircraft Systems Maintenance
Trainer (ASMT), Ejection System Maintenance Trainer (ESMT),
and Weapons Loading Trainer (WLT). The F-35 Training System
can be integrated, where both pilots and maintainers learn in
the same Integrated Training Center (ITC). Alternatively, the
pilots and maintainers can train in separate facilities
(Pilot Training Center and Maintenance Training Center).
j. Weapons employment capability is SECRET and contains
technology representing the latest state-of-the-art in
several areas. Information on performance and inherent
vulnerabilities is SECRET. Software (object code) is
classified SECRET. Sensitive elements include co-operative
targeting.
k. Other Subsystems, Features, and Capabilities:
(1) The Low Observable Air Frame is SECRET and contains
technology representing the latest state-of-the-art in
several areas. Information on performance and inherent
vulnerabilities is classified SECRET. Software (object code)
is SECRET. Sensitive elements include: the Radar Cross
Section and its corresponding plots, construction materials
and fabrication.
(2) The Integrated Core Processor (ICP) Central Computer is
SECRET and contains technology representing the latest state-
of-the-art in several areas. Information on performance and
inherent vulnerabilities is SECRET. Software (object code) is
classified SECRET. Sensitive elements include: F-35
Integrated Core Processor utilizing Commercial Off-the-Shelf
(COTS) Hardware and Module Design to maximize growth and
allow for efficient management of DMS and Technology
Insertion, if additional processing is needed, a second ICP
will be installed in the space reserved for that purpose,
more than doubling the current throughput and memory
capacity.
(3) The F-35 Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) is SECRET
and contains technology representing the latest state-of-the-
art in several areas. Information on performance and inherent
vulnerabilities is SECRET. Software (object code) is SECRET.
Sensitive elements include: HMDS consists of the Display
Management Computer-Helmet, a helmet shell/display module, a
quick disconnect integrated as part of the ejection seat,
helmet trackers and tracker processing, day- and night-vision
camera functions, and dedicated system/graphics processing.
The HMDS provides a fully sunlight readable, bi-ocular
display presentation of aircraft information projected onto
the pilot's helmet visor. The use of a night vision camera
integrated into the helmet eliminates the need for separate
Night Vision Goggles (NVG). The camera video is integrated
with EO and IR imaging inputs and displayed on the pilot's
visor to provide a comprehensive night operational
capability.
(4) The Pilot Life Support System is SECRET and contains
technology representing the latest state-of-the-art in
several areas. Information on performance and inherent
vulnerabilities is SECRET. Software (object code) is SECRET.
Sensitive elements include: a measure of Pilot Chemical,
Biological, and Radiological Protection through use of an On-
Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS); and an escape system
that provide additional protection to the pilot. OBOGS takes
the Power and Thermal Management System (PTMS) air and
enriches it by removing gases (mainly nitrogen) by
adsorption, thereby increasing the concentration of oxygen in
the product gas and supplying breathable air to the pilot.
(5) The Off-Board Mission Support System is SECRET and
contains technology representing the latest state-of-the-art
in several areas. Information on performance and inherent
vulnerabilities is SECRET. Software (object code) is SECRET.
Sensitive elements include: mission planning, mission
briefing, maintenance/intelligence/tactical debriefing,
sensor/algorithm planning, EW system reprogramming, data
debrief, etc.
1. Publications: Manuals are considered SECRET as they
contain information on aircraft/system performance and
inherent vulnerabilities.
2. The JSF Reprogramming Center is classified SECRET and
contains technology representing the latest state-of-the-art
in several areas. This hardware/software facility is located
in the U.S. and provides F-35 customers a means to update JSF
electronic warfare databases. Sensitive elements include: EW
software databases and tools to modify these databases.
3. (U) 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.
4. (U) A determination has been made that Belgium 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.
5. (U) All defense articles and services listed on this
transmittal are authorized for release and export to the
Government of Belgium.
____________________