[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 128 (Monday, July 30, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5447-S5449]
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:
[[Page S5448]]
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. 18-15,
concerning the Army's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of Bahrain for defense articles
and services estimated to cost $80 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. 18-15
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 Bahrain.
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment * $49 million.
Other $31 million.
Total $80 million.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
Twenty-eight (28) TOW Improved Target Acquisition Systems
(ITAS).
Four (4) TOW Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS)
Floats.
Non-MDE: Also included is support equipment, government-
furnished equipment, technical manuals/publications, spare
parts, tool and test equipment, training, U.S. Government
technical support/logistical support, contractor technical
support, other associated equipment and services, and other
related elements of logistics support.
(iv) Military Department: Army (BA-B-UKJ).
(v) Prior Related Cases, if any: BA-B-UKE.
(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: July 30, 2018.
* As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
policy justification
Bahrain--Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) Launchers
The Government of Bahrain has requested to buy twenty-eight
(28) TOW Improved Target Acquisition Systems (ITAS) and four
(4) TOW Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) Floats.
Also included are support equipment, government-furnished
equipment, technical manuals/publications, spare parts, tool
and test equipment, training, U.S. Government technical
support/logistical support, contractor technical support,
other associated equipment and services, and other related
elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $80
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 major non-NATO ally which is an
important security partner in the region.
The proposed sale of the TOW ITAS and technical support
will advance Bahrain's efforts to develop an integrated
ground defense capability. The ITAS will increase target
detection, acquisition, recognition and engagements ranges
for TOW anti-tank missiles. Bahrain will have no difficulty
absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of the munition and support will not
alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor involved in this program is
Raytheon Missile Systems (RMS) of McKinney, Texas. There are
no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this
potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will involve multiple
trips to Bahrain involving up to ten (10) U.S. Government and
contractor representatives over a period of less than 16
weeks in total.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 18-15
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 Bahrain. The Improved Target Acquisition System
(ITAS) is designed to fire all existing versions of the TOW
missile and consists of a Target Acquisition Subsystem (TAS),
a Fire Control Subsystem (FCS), a Li-Ion Battery Box (LBB), a
modified Traversing Unit (TU) plus the standard launch tube
and tripod. The ITAS provides for the integration of both the
direct view optics and a second generation Standard Advanced
Dewar Assembly (SADA) II thermal sensor into a single
housing; direct view optics that provide viewing the target
scene in daylight and non-obscured conditions; introduction
of both passive and active eye safe laser-ranging;
development of embedded training and training sustainment;
automatic bore sight which allows the gunner to align the
night vision system with the direct view optics; insertion of
advanced Built-in Test/Built-in Test Equipment (BIT/BITE)
which provides fault detection and recognition and go/no go
status for the gunner; and an Aided Target Tracker (ATT) that
provides the capability to process infrared imagery into
recognizable contour features used to assist the gunner's aim
point. The highest level of information that could be
disclosed through the sale of ITAS is SECRET.
2. 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.
3. A determination has been made that Bahrain can provide
substantially the same degree of protection of this
technology as the U.S. Government. This proposed sale is
necessary in furtherance of the U.S. foreign policy and
national security objectives outlined in the Policy
Justification. Moreover, the benefits to be derived from this
sale, as outlined in the Policy Justification, outweigh the
potential damage that could result if the sensitive
technology were revealed to unauthorized persons.
4. All defense articles and services listed in this
transmittal are authorized for release and export to the
Government of Bahrain.
____
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. 18-11,
concerning the Army's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of Kuwait for defense articles
and services estimated to cost $30.4 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. 18-11
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* $27.2 million.
Other $3.2 million.
Total $30.4 million.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
Three hundred (300) AGM-114R Hellfire Missiles.
One (1) Warhead Section Assembly.
One (1) Rocket Motor.
Non-MDE: Also included in the sale are missile containers,
nineteen (19) M261 2.75 tube rocket launchers, spare and
repair parts, repair tools, personnel training, U.S.
Government and contractor engineering, technical and
logistical support services and other related elements of
logistical and program support.
(iv) Military Department: Army (KU-B-UBN).
(v) Prior Related Cases, if any: KU-B-UMA--$38 million--5
Feb 2013.
(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: July 30, 2018.
*As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION
Kuwait--AGM-114R Hellfire Missiles
The Government of Kuwait has requested to buy three hundred
(300) AGM-1I4R Hellfire missiles, one (1) Warhead Section
Assembly and one (1) Rocket Motor. Also included in the sale
are missile containers, nineteen (19) M261 2.75 tube rocket
launchers, spare and repair parts, repair tools, personnel
training, U.S. Government and contractor engineering,
technical and logistical support services and other related
elements of logistical and program support. The estimated
cost is $30.4 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 regional partner that is an
important force for political stability and economic
progress.
The proposed sale improves Kuwait's capability to meet
current and future threats. Kuwait will use the missiles to
strengthen its homeland defense. Kuwait currently has the
Hellfire missiles in its inventory and will have no
difficulty absorbing these additional missiles.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not
alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin
Corporation, Orlando, Florida. There are no known offset
agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
[[Page S5449]]
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the
assignment of approximately two U.S. Government or contractor
representatives to travel to Kuwait for up to two weeks of
training.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 18-11
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. AGM-114R Hellfire. The AGM-114R is used against heavy
and light armored targets, thin skinned vehicles, urban
structures, bunkers, caves and personnel. The missile is
Inertial Measure Unit (IMU) based, with a variable delay
fuse, improved safety and reliability. The highest level for
release of the AGM-114R is SECRET. Software and firmware
documentation (e.g. Data Processing, Software Requirements,
Source Code, Algorithms) are not authorized for disclosure.
The highest level of classified information that could be
disclosed by a proposed sale or by testing of the end item is
up to and including SECRET. The highest level that must be
disclosed for production, maintenance, or training is up to
and including SECRET. Vulnerability data, countermeasures,
vulnerability/susceptibility analysis, and threat definitions
are classified SECRET or CONFIDENTIAL. Detailed information
to include discussions, reports and studies of system
capabilities, vulnerabilities and limitations that leads to
conclusions on specific tactics or other counter-
countermeasures (CCM) are not authorized for disclosure.
Reverse engineering could reveal SECRET information. Loss or
compromise of classified information associated with AGM-114R
could lead to development of countermeasures or exploitation
of system vulnerabilities by those obtaining the information.
2. Software, hardware, and other data/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 CONFIDENTIAL and SECRET
levels. 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.
3. If a technologically advanced adversary obtained
knowledge of the specific hardware and software elements, the
information could be used to develop countermeasures or
equivalent systems 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 Kuwait can provide
substantially the same degree of protection for the AGM-114R
Hellfire Missiles as the U.S. Government. The sale of these
missiles to Kuwait is necessary in 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 Kuwait.
____
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. 18-07,
concerning the Navy's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of Bahrain for defense articles
and services estimated to cost $70 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. 18-07
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 Bahrain.
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment* $0 million.
Other $70 million.
Total $70 million.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE): None.
Non-MDE: Follow-On Technical Support (FOTS) for the Royal
Bahrain Navy Ship SABHA (FFG-90), formerly the USS Jack
Williams (FFG-24), transferred as Excess Defense Article on
September 13, 1996. Also includes engineering, technical, and
logistics services, documentation, and modification material
for U.S. Navy supplied systems and equipment and other
related elements of logistics and program support.
(iv) Military Department: Navy (BA-P-GAV, Amendment 12).
(v) Prior Related Cases, if any: BA-P-GAV.
(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: None.
(viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: July 26, 2018.
* As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION
Bahrain--Follow-On Technical Support (FOTS) for the Royal Bahrain Navy
Ship ``SABHA'' (FFG-2S1)
The Government of Bahrain has requested to buy items and
services in support of Follow-On Technical Support (FOTS) for
the Royal Bahrain Navy Ship SABHA (FFG-90), formerly the USS
Jack Williams (FFG-24), transferred as Excess Defense Article
on September 13, 1996. Also includes engineering, technical,
and logistics services, documentation, and modification
material for U.S. Navy supplied systems and equipment and
other related elements of logistics and program support. The
estimated program value is $70 million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy
and national security objectives of the United States by
helping to improve the security of a regional partner which
is an important security partner in the region.
Bahrain intends to use this support in order to keep the
ship in operational readiness status for coastal defense and
security. Bahrain will have no difficulty absorbing this
support into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not
alter the basic military balance in the region.
There is no prime contractor involved in this proposed
sale. There are no known offset agreements proposed in
connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require
approximately three (3) U.S. Government and six (6)
contractor representatives to travel to Bahrain for an
extended period for equipment fielding, systems checkout,
training and technical and logistics support.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.
____________________