[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 22 (Monday, February 5, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S603-S604]
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. 17-76, 
     concerning the Navy's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and 
     Acceptance to the Government of Finland for defense articles 
     and services estimated to cost $622 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. 17-76

     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 Finland
       (ii) Total Estimated Value:
       Major Defense Equipment * $434 million.
       Other $188 million.
       Total $622 million.
       (iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or 
     Services under Consideration for Purchase:
       Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
       One hundred (100) RGM-84Q-4 Harpoon Block II Plus (+) 
     Extended Range (ER) Grade B Surface-Launched Missiles.
       Twelve (12) RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Grade B Surface-
     Launched Missiles.
       Twelve (12) RGM-84Q-4 Harpoon Block II+ ER Grade B Surface-
     Launched Upgrade Kits.
       Four (4) RTM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Grade B Exercise 
     Surface-Launched Missiles.
       Four (4) RTM-84Q-4 Harpoon Block II+ ER Grade B Exercise 
     Surface-Launched Missiles.
       Non-MDE: Also included are containers, spare and repair 
     parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical 
     documentation, personnel training and training equipment, 
     technical assistance, engineering and logistics support 
     services, and other related elements of logistical support.
       (iv) Military Department: Navy (FI-P-LBQ).
       (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: February 5, 2018.
       * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control 
     Act.


                          policy justification

   Finland--RGM-840-4 Harpoon Block II+ ER Grade B Surface-Launched 
   Missiles and RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Grade B Surface-Launched 
                                Missiles

       The Government of Finland has requested a possible sale of 
     one hundred (100) RGM-84Q-4 Harpoon Block II Plus (+) 
     Extended Range (ER) Grade B Surface-Launched Missiles, twelve 
     (12) RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Grade B Surface-Launched 
     Missiles, twelve (12) RGM-84Q-4 Harpoon Block II+ ER Grade B 
     Surface-Launched Upgrade Kits, four (4) RTM-84L-4 Harpoon 
     Block II Grade B Exercise Surface-Launched Missiles, and four 
     (4) RTM-84Q-4 Harpoon Block II+ ER Grade B Exercise Surface-
     Launched Missiles. Also included are containers, spare and 
     repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and 
     technical documentation, personnel training and training 
     equipment, technical assistance, engineering and logistics 
     support services, and other related elements of logistical 
     support. The estimated total case value is $622 million.
       This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and 
     national security objectives of the United States by 
     improving the security of a partner nation that has been, and 
     continues to be, an important force for political stability 
     and economic progress in Europe.
       Finland intends to use the missiles on its Hamina class 
     ships, Multirole Corvette ships, and Coastal Batteries. The 
     missiles will provide enhanced capabilities in effective 
     defense of critical sea lanes. The proposed sale of the 
     missiles and support will increase the Finnish Navy's 
     maritime partnership potential and increase regional security 
     capability. Finland has not purchased Harpoon Block II+ ER 
     previously, but will have no difficulty incorporating this 
     capability into its armed forces.
       The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not 
     alter the basic military balance in the region.
       The principal contractor will be The Boeing Company, St. 
     Louis, MO. 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 require up to 21 
     U.S. Government personnel to travel to Finland providing 
     support over a period of ten years.
       There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness 
     as a result of this proposed sale.


                         Transmittal No. 17-76

     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 RGM-84Q Harpoon Block II+ ER Surface-Launched 
     missile system is classified SECRET. The Harpoon missile is a 
     non-nuclear tactical weapon system. It provides a day, night, 
     and adverse weather, standoff air-to-surface capability and 
     is an effective Anti-Surface Warfare missile. The RGM-84Q 
     incorporates components, software, and technical design 
     information that is considered sensitive. The following 
     components being conveyed by the proposed sale that are 
     considered sensitive include:
       a. Classified CONFIDENTIAL:
       (1) Radar Seeker.
       (2) GPS/INS System.
       (3) Operational Flight Program Software.
       (4) Missile operational characteristics and performance 
     data.
       b. Classified up to SECRET:
       (1) Weapon Data Link (depending on key classification).
       (2) Warhead.
       These elements are essential to the ability of the Harpoon 
     missile to selectively engage hostile targets under a wide 
     range of operations, tactical and environmental conditions. 
     The Harpoon is a Coastal Target Suppressions land attack 
     weapon.
       2. The RGM-84L Harpoon Block II Surface-Launched missile 
     system is classified CONFIDENTIAL. The Harpoon 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 air-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. The 
     following components being conveyed by the proposed sale that 
     are considered sensitive and are classified CONFIDENTIAL are:
       Classified CONFIDENTIAL:
       (1) Radar Seeker.
       (2) GPS/INS System.
       (3) Operational Flight Program Software.
       (4) Missile operational characteristics and performance 
     data.
       3. The RTM-84 Exercise Harpoon Surface-Launched missile is 
     classified up to SECRET. The RTM-84 Exercise Harpoon 
     incorporates components, software, and technical design 
     information that are considered sensitive. The following 
     components being conveyed by the proposed sale that are 
     considered sensitive include:
       a. Classified CONFIDENTIAL:
       (1) Radar Seeker.
       (2) GPS/INS System.
       (3) Operational Flight Program Software.
       (4) Missile operational characteristics and performance 
     data.
       b. Classified up to SECRET:
       (1) Weapon Data Link (depending on key classification)
       4. 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.
       5. A determination has been made that Finland can provide 
     substantially the same

[[Page S604]]

     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.
       6. All defense articles and services listed on this 
     transmittal are authorized for release and export to the 
     Government of Finland.
                                  ____

                                                  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. 17-77, 
     concerning the Navy's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and 
     Acceptance to the Government of Finland for defense articles 
     and services estimated to cost $112.7 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. 17-77

  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 Finland.
       (ii) Total Estimated Value:
       Major Defense Equipment * $92.6 million.
       Other $20.1 million.
       Total $112.7 million.
       (iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or 
     Services under Consideration for Purchase:
       Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
       Sixty-eight (68) Evolved SEASPARROW Missiles (ESSM).
       One (1) ESSM inert operational missile.
       Non-MDE: Also included are seventeen (17) MK25 quad pack 
     canisters, eight (8) MK783 shipping containers, spare and 
     repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and 
     technical documentation, training, U.S. Government/Contractor 
     engineering, technical and logistics support services and 
     technical assistance, and other related elements of 
     logistical support.
       (iv) Military Department: Navy (FI-P-LBP).
       (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: February 5, 2018.
       *As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control 
     Act.


                          POLICY JUSTIFICATION

              Finland--Evolved SEASPARROW Missiles (ESSM)

       The Government of Finland has requested a possible sale of 
     sixty-eight (68) Evolved SEASPARROW Missiles (ESSM) and one 
     (1) ESSM inert operational missile. Also included are 
     seventeen (17) MK25 quad pack canisters, eight (8) MK783 
     shipping containers, spare and repair parts, support and test 
     equipment, publications and technical documentation, 
     training, U.S. Government/Contractor engineering, technical 
     and logistics support services and technical assistance, and 
     other related elements of logistical support. The estimated 
     total case value is $112.7 million.
       This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and 
     national security objectives of the United States by 
     improving the security of a partner nation that has been, and 
     continues to be, an important force for political stability 
     and economic progress in Europe.
       Finland intends to use the missiles on its new Squadron 
     2020 class Corvette ships. The missiles will provide enhanced 
     capabilities in effective defense of critical sea lanes and 
     improve Finland's capability to meet current and future 
     threats of enemy anti-ship weapons. Finland has not purchased 
     ESSM previously, but will have no difficulty incorporating 
     this capability into its naval forces.
       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 
     (RMS) Tucson, AZ, for the missiles, and BAE Systems, 
     Aberdeen, SD, for the missile canisters. 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 require up to 12 
     U.S. Government personnel to travel to Finland providing 
     support over a period of five years.
       There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness 
     as a result of this proposed sale.


                         Transmittal No. 17-77

     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 Evolved SEASPARROW missiles (ESSM) includes the 
     guidance section, warhead section, transition section, 
     propulsion section, control section, and Thrust Vector 
     Control (TVC) of which the guidance section and transition 
     section are classified CONFIDENTIAL. Standard missile 
     documentation will include:
       a. Parametric documents (classified CONFIDENTIAL).
       b. Missile Handling/Maintenance Procedures (UNCLASSIFIED).
       c. General Performance Data (classified CONFIDENTIAL).
       d. Firing Guidance (classified CONFIDENTIAL).
       e. Dynamics Information (classified CONFIDENTIAL).
       2. The Evolved SEASPARROW Missile (ESSM) contains SENSITIVE 
     technological information and/or RESTRICTED information in 
     the missile guidance section. Certain operating frequencies 
     and performance characteristics are classified SECRET because 
     they could be used to develop tactics and/or countermeasures 
     to reduce or defeat the missile effectiveness.
       3. 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. A determination has been made that Finland 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. All defense articles and services listed on this 
     transmittal are authorized for release and export to the 
     Government of Finland.

                          ____________________