[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 135 (Wednesday, August 15, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5611-S5614]
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. 18-33,
concerning the Army's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of Latvia for defense articles
and services estimated to cost $200 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,
Gregory M. Kausner,
(For Charles W. Hooper, Lieutenant General, USA, Director).
Enclosures.
Transmittal No. 18-33
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: Government of Latvia
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment* $85 million.
Other $115 million.
Total $200 million.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
Four (4) UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters in standard USG
configuration with designated unique equipment and Government
Furnished Equipment (GFE).
Ten (10) T700-GE-701D Engines (8 installed and 2 spares).
Ten (10) Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial
Navigation Systems (8 installed and 2 spares).
Non-MDE: Also included is one (1) Aviation Mission Planning
System, five (5) Talon Forward Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR)
(4 production and 1 spare), ten (10) AN/ARC-201D/E (8
production and 2 spares), ten (10) AN/ARC-231 radios (8
production and 2 spares), five (5) AN/APX-123A Identification
Friend or Foe (IFF) transponder (4 production and 1 spare),
five (5) AN/ARC-220 Radio (4 production and 1 spare), twenty
(20) AN/AVS-6 Helmet Mounted Night Vision Devices, aircraft
warranty, air worthiness support, spare and repair parts,
support equipment, communication equipment, publications and
technical documentation, personnel training and training
equipment, ground support equipment, site surveys, tool and
test equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and
logistics support services, and other related elements of
logistics and program support.
(iv) Military Department: Army (LG-B-UDM).
(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: August 3, 2018.
*As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION
Latvia--UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters
The Government of Latvia has requested to buy four (4) UH-
60M Black Hawk helicopters in standard USG configuration with
designated unique equipment and Government Furnished
Equipment (GFE), ten (10) T700-GE-701D engines (8 installed
and 2 spares), ten (10) Embedded Global Positioning Systems/
Inertial Navigation Systems (8 installed and 2 spares). Also
included is one (1) Aviation Mission Planning System, five
(5) Talon Forward Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR) (4 production
and 1 spare), ten (10) AN/ARC-201D/E (8 production and 2
spares), ten (10) AN/ARC-231 radios (8 production and 2
spares), five (5) AN/APX-123A
[[Page S5612]]
Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponder (4 production
and 1 spare), five (5) AN/ARC-220 Radio (4 production and 1
spare), twenty (20) AN/AVS-6 Helmet Mounted Night Vision
Devices, aircraft warranty, air worthiness support, spare and
repair parts, support equipment, communication equipment,
publications and technical documentation, personnel training
and training equipment, ground support equipment, site
surveys, tool and test equipment, U.S. Government and
contractor technical and logistics support services, and
other related elements of logistics and program support. The
estimated total case value is $200 million.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and
national security of the United States by helping to improve
the security of a NATO ally. These UH-60 helicopters will
allow for interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces in rapid
response to a variety of missions, and quick positioning of
troops with minimal helicopter assets.
The sale of these UH-60 helicopters to Latvia will
significantly increase its capability to provide troop lift,
border security, anti-terrorist, medical evacuation, search
and rescue, re-supply/external lift, and combat support in
all weather. Latvia intends to use these helicopters to
modernize its armed forces and expand its existing Army
architecture in its efforts to provide multi-mission support
in the region. Latvia will have no difficulty absorbing these
helicopters 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 Sikorsky Aircraft Company in
Stratford, Connecticut; and General Electric Aviation Company
(GEAC) in Lynn, Massachusetts. There are no known offset
agreements in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale may require the
assignment of an additional three U.S. Government and five
contractor representatives in country full-time to support
the delivery and training for approximately two-to-five
years.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 18-33
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 UH-60M aircraft is a medium lift four bladed
aircraft which includes two T-700-GE 701D Engines. The
aircraft has four Multifunction Display (MFD), which provides
aircraft system, flight, mission, and communication
management systems. The instrumentation panel includes four
Multifunction Displays (MFDs), two Pilot and Co-Pilot Flight
Director Panels, and two Data Concentrator Units (DCUs). The
Navigation System will have Embedded GPS/INS (EGIs), and two
Advanced Flight Control Computer Systems (AFCC), which
provide 4 axis aircraft control.
2. The H764-G EGI provides GPS and INS capabilities to the
aircraft. The EGI will include Selective Availability Anti-
Spoofing Module (SAASM) for secure GPS PPS if required. The
EGI contains sensitive technology.
3. The AN/ARC-231, Very High Frequency/Ultra High Frequency
(VHF/UHF), Line-of- Sight (LOS) Radio with frequency agile
modes, Electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM), UHF
Satellite Communications (SATCOM), Demand Assigned Multiple
Access (DAMA), Integrated Waveform (IW), Air Traffic Control
(ATC) channel spacing is operator selectable in 5, 8.33,
12.5, and 25kHz steps. The antennas associated with this
radio contain sensitive technology.
4. The AN/APX-123A, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
Transponder, is a space diversity transponder and is
installed on various military platforms. When installed in
conjunction with platform antennas and the Remote Control
Unit (or other appropriate control unit), the transponder
provides identification, altitude, and surveillance reporting
in response to interrogations from airborne, ground-based,
and/or surface interrogators. This item contains sensitive
technology.
5. The AN/ARC-201D/E, Single Channel Ground to Air Radio
System (SINCGARS), is a tactical airborne radio subsystem
that provides secure, anti-jam voice and data communication.
The integration of COMSEC and the Data Rate Adapter (DRA)
combines three Line Replaceable Units into one and reduces
overall weight of the aircraft.
6. The AN/ARN-149, Automatic Direction Finder (ADF)
Receiver, is a low frequency radio that provides automatic
compass bearing on any radio signal within the frequency
range of 100 to 2199.5 kHz as well as navigation where a
commercial AM broadcast signal is the only available
navigation aid.
7. The AN/ARN-153, Tactical Airborne Navigation (TACAN)
System, is a full featured navigational system that supports
four modes of operation: receive mode; transmit receive mode;
air-to-air receive mode; and air-to-air transmit-receive
mode. The TACAN provides a minimum 500-watt transmit
capability with selecting range ratios of 30:1 or 4:1 which
is accomplished through the automatic gain control (AGC)
enable/disable switch, the 1553 bus, or the RNAV (ARINC)
input bus.
8. The AN/ARN-147, Very High Frequency (VHF) Omni Ranging/
Instrument Landing System Receiver, that provides internal
MIL-STD-1553B capability and is MIL-E-5400 class II
qualified. It meets international operability requirements by
providing 50-kHz channel spacing for 160-VOR and 40-
localizer/glideslope channels.
9. The TALON Forward Looking Infrared Radar (TALON FLIR) is
a compact multi-sensor thermal imaging system utilized for
personnel recovery. Search and rescue missions are supported
with the thermal imaging, daylight camera, and laser
rangefinder payloads. Includes Joystick Control Unit (JCU).
10. AN/ARC-220, High Frequency (HF) Radio multifunctional,
fully Digital Signal Processing (DSP) high frequency radio
for rotary wing applications. Provides embedded Automatic
Link Establishment (ALE), serial tone data modem, text
messaging, GPS position reporting and anti-jam (ECCM)
functions is Embedded ECCM and data modem.
11. EBC-406 (Emergency Locator Transmitter) is loaded with
country unique codes (at delivery in country) that aid in the
recovery of a down aircraft/personnel with a loud beeping
tone and flashing LED. The ELT transmits on 406.028 MHz, the
civil 121.5 MHz, and the military 243.0 MHz emergency
frequencies.
12. AN/AVS-6 (Helmet mounted Night Vision Goggles) is a
lightweight, binocular, night vision imaging system developed
by the U.S. Army specifically for helicopter flying. The
system can be mounted to a variety of aviator helmets,
including the SPH-4B, HGU-56P, HGU-55/P, HGU-55/G, HGU-26/P
and Alpha. A 25mm eye relief eyepieces easily accommodate
eyeglasses. Low-profile battery pack improves aviator head
mobility and increases battery life. Other features include
flip-up/flop-down capability, simple binocular attachment,
individual interpupillary adjustment, tilt, vertical and
fore-aft adjustments to fit all aviators.
13. 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.
14. A determination has been made that Latvia 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.
15. All defense articles and services listed on this
transmittal are authorized for release and export to the
Government of Latvia.
____
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. 18-16,
concerning the Air Force's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of Kuwait for defense articles
and services estimated to cost $40.4 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. 18-16
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* $24.1 million.
Other $16.3 million.
Total $40.4 million.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
One thousand twenty (1,020) Mk-82 500 lb. bombs
One thousand two (1,002) Mk-83 1000 lb. bombs
Six hundred (600) Mk-84 2000 lb. bombs
Non-MDE: also included in the sale are general purpose bomb
components and fuzes, support and test equipment,
publications and technical documentation, personnel training
and training equipment, transportation, facilities and
construction, U.S. Government and contractor technical and
logistics support services, and other related elements of
logistic and program support.
(iv) Military Department: Air Force (KU-D-AAC).
(v) Prior Related Cases, if any: KU-P-AAY (Navy/1992)--
$22M.
(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: August 2, 2018.
*As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION
Kuwait--Munitions
The Government of Kuwait has requested to buy one thousand
twenty (1,020) Mk-82 500
[[Page S5613]]
lb. bombs, one thousand two (1,002) Mk-83 1000 lb. bombs and
six hundred (600) Mk-84 2000 lb. bombs. Also included in the
sale are general purpose bomb components and fuzes, support
and test equipment, publications and technical documentation,
personnel training and training equipment, transportation,
facilities and construction, U.S. Government and contractor
technical and logistics support services, and other related
elements of logistic and program support. The estimated cost
is $40.4 million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy
and national security of the United States by helping to
improve the security of a regional partner which is an
important force for political stability and economic
progress.
The proposed sale will improve Kuwait's capability to meet
current and future threats within the region. Kuwait intends
to use these munitions with its current fleet of F/A-18
aircraft. Kuwait will have no difficulty absorbing these
munitions and support into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not
alter the basic military balance in the region.
The U.S. Air Force will award contracts when necessary to
provide the defense articles ordered if items ordered are not
available from U.S. stock or are considered lead-time away.
There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection
with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the
assignment of additional U.S. Government or contractor
representatives to Kuwait.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.
____
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. 18-29,
concerning the Navy's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of Mexico for defense articles
and services estimated to cost $41.6 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. 18-29
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 Mexico.
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment * $14.0 million.
Other $27.6 million.
Total $41.6 million.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
Six (6) Evolved Seasparrow Tactical Missiles (ESSM).
Two (2) Evolved Seasparrow Telemetry Missiles.
Non-MDE: Also included are one (1) MK56 VLS launcher (8-
cell), eight (8) MK30 canisters, eight (8) MK783 shipping
containers, spare and repair parts, support and test
equipment, publications and technical documentation,
training, USG/Contractor technical and engineering support
services, and technical assistance.
(iv) Military Department: Navy.
(v) Prior Related Cases, if any:
MX-P-AAG (57mm and 25mm ammunition).
MX-P-AAN (Rolling Airframe Missile).
MX-P-AAO (Harpoon Block II Missile).
MX-P-AAS (MK54 Torpedo).
MX-P-SAA (MH-60R Helicopter and support).
(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: August 8, 2018.
* As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
policy justification
Mexico--Evolved Seasparrow Missiles
The Government of Mexico has requested to buy six (6)
Evolved Seasparrow tactical missiles (ESSM) and two (2)
Evolved Seasparrow telemetry missiles. Also included are one
(1) MK56 VLS launcher (8-cell), eight (8) MK30 canisters,
eight (8) MK783 shipping containers, spare and repair parts,
support and test equipment, publications and technical
documentation, training, USG/Contractor technical and
engineering support services, and technical assistance. The
total estimated value is $41 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 regional partner. The sale of
these shipboard systems to Mexico will significantly increase
and strengthen Mexico's 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.
Mexico intends to use the weapons systems on its 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 services 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 integrating this equipment 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 Raytheon Missile Systems,
Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements in
connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the
assignment of any additional U.S. Government and/or
contractor representatives to Mexico.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 18-29
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 sale of Evolved Seasparrow missiles (ESSM) under
this FMS case will result in the transfer of classified
missile equipment to Mexico. Both classified and unclassified
defense equipment and technical data will be transferred. The
missile 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 to be provided under this FMS case will
include:
a. Parametric documents (CONFIDENTIAL)
b. Missile Handling/Maintenance Procedures (UNCLASSIFIED)
c. General Performance Data (CONFIDENTIAL)
d. Firing Guidance (CONFIDENTIAL)
e. Dynamics Information (Confidential)
2. The sale of the Evolved Seasparrow Missiles (ESSM) under
this FMS case will result in the transfer of sensitive
technological information and/or restricted information
contained in the missile guidance section. Certain operating
frequencies and performance characteristics are classified
SECRET because it 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 the specific hardware and software elements,
primarily performance characteristics, engagement algorithms,
and transmitter specific frequencies, the information could
be used to develop countermeasures that might reduce weapon
system effectiveness.
4. A determination has been made that the recipient country
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.
5. All defense articles and services listed in this
transmittal have been authorized for release and export to
Mexico.
____
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. 18-27,
concerning the Navy's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of the Netherlands for defense
articles and services estimated to cost $169 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. 18-27
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 the
Netherlands.
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment * $122 million.
Other $47 million.
Total $169 million.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
One hundred six (106) MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo Conversion
Kits.
Non-MDE: Also included are torpedo containers, Recoverable
Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP) with containers; Fleet Exercise
Section (FES) and fuel tanks; air launch accessories for
rotary wing aircraft; torpedo launcher interface cabinets;
ground handling equipment; torpedo spare parts; training;
publications; support and test equipment;
[[Page S5614]]
U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and
logistics support services; and other related elements of
logistics and program support.
(iv) Military Department: Navy (NE-P-LHP).
(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: None.
(viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: July 31, 2018.
* As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION
The Netherlands--MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes
The Netherlands requests to buy one hundred six (106) MK 54
conversion kits. Also included are torpedo containers,
Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP) with containers;
Fleet Exercise Section (FES) and fuel tanks; air launch
accessories for rotary wing aircraft; torpedo launcher
interface cabinets; ground handling equipment; torpedo spare
parts; training; publications; support and test equipment;
U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and
logistics support services; and other related elements of
logistics and program support. The estimated program value is
$169 million.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and
national security objectives of the United States by
improving the security of a NATO Ally, which is an important
force for political stability and economic progress in
Europe.
The Royal Netherlands Navy intends to upgrade its current
MK 46 torpedoes to the MK 54 with the purchase of these kits.
The Netherlands will have no difficulty absorbing the MK 54
torpedoes.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not
alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be Raytheon Integrated
Defense System, Portsmouth, Rhode Island. There are no known
offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential
sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the
assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor
representatives to Netherlands; however, U.S. Government
Engineering and Technical Services may be required on an
interim basis for installations and integration.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 18-27
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 54 Torpedo is a conventional torpedo that can be
launched from surface ships, helicopters, and fixed wing
aircraft. The MK 54 is an upgrade to the MK 46 Torpedo, which
is currently in-service in Netherlands. The upgrade to the MK
54 entails replacement of the torpedo's sonar and guidance
and control systems with modem 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. There is no
sensitive technology in the MK 54 or its support and test
equipment. The assembled MK 54 torpedo and several of its
individual components are classified CONFIDENTIAL. The MK 54
operational software is classified as SECRET. Netherlands
will not be provided with the source code for the MK 54
operational software.
2. If a technologically advanced adversary were to obtain
knowledge of the hardware and software elements, the
information could be used to develop countermeasures or
equivalent systems which might reduce system effectiveness or
be used in the development of a system with similar or
advanced capabilities.
3. A determination has been made that the Government of the
Netherlands 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.
4. All defense articles and services listed in this
transmittal have been authorized for release and export to
the Netherlands.
____________________