[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 92 (Monday, June 3, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3155-S3157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Mr. RISCH. 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. James E. Risch,
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. 19-36
concerning the Air Force's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of Bulgaria for defense articles
and services estimated to cost $1.673 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. 19-36
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 Bulgaria.
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment* $.763 billion.
Other $.910 billion.
Total $1.673 billion.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
Eight (8) F-16C/D Block 70/72 Aircraft.
Ten (10) F110 General Electric Engines (includes 2 spares).
Ten (10) Link-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution
Systems--JTRS (MIDS-JTRS) (includes 2 spares).
Nine (9) Improved Program Display Generators (iPDG)
(includes 1 spare).
Nine (9) APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)
Radars (includes 1 spare).
Four (4) AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Targeting Pods.
Nine (9) Modular Mission Computers (MMC) 7000AH (includes 1
spare).
Nine (9) LN-260 Embedded GPS/INS (EGI).
Nine (9) M61 Vulcan 20mm Cannons.
Sixteen (16) AIM-120C7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air
Missiles (AMRAAMs).
One (1) AIM-120C7 Spare Guidance Section.
Twenty-four (24) AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles.
Eight (8) AIM-9X Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM).
Four (4) AIM-9X Spare Tactical Guidance Sections.
Four (4) AIM-9X Spare CATM Guidance Sections.
Forty-eight (48) LAU-129 Multi-Purpose Launchers.
Fifteen (15) GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II Kits.
Fifteen (15) GBU-54 Laser JDAM Kits.
Twenty-eight (28) GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDB-1).
Twenty-four (24) FMU-152 Fuzes.
Twenty-four (24) MK82 Bombs (Tritonal).
Six (6) MK82 Bombs (Inert).
Thirteen (13) MAU-210 Enhanced Computer Control Group
(ECCG).
Non-MDE: Also included are nine (9) AN/ALQ-211 Internal
Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites
(including 1 spare); nine (9) AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure
Dispensers (including 1 spare); 4,140 Infrared Flare
countermeasures, with impulse cartridges; 8,250 each of PGU-
27A/B 20mm training and combat munitions; thirty-six (36)
MK-124 Signal/Smoke Illumination devices; nine (9) APX-126
Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) units with
Secure Communications and Cryptographic Appliques;
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eighteen (18) AN/ARC-238 UHF/VHF SATURN Radios; sixteen
(16) AIM-120C AMRAAM training CATMs; Joint Mission
Planning System (JMPS) with software, training and
support; twenty (20) Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System
(JHMCS) II with Night Vision Goggle compatibility; ten
(10) Night Vision Devices; two (2) Remote Operated Video
Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) 6i units, plus 1 ground station;
ground training device (flight and maintenance simulator);
one (1) Avionics I-level Test Station; Electronic Combat
International Security Assistance Program (ECISAP)
support; Cartridge Actuated and Propellant Actuated
Devices (CAD/PAD) support; Common Munitions Bit-test
Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE) support with Computer Test
Set Adapter Group; communications equipment; software
delivery and support; facilities and construction support;
spares and repair/replace parts; personnel training and
training equipment; publications and technical
documentation; containers; munition support and test
equipment; aircraft and munition integration and test
support; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and
contractor technical, engineering and logistical support
services; and other related elements of logistics and
program support.
(iv) Military Department: Air Force (BU-D-SAB, BU-D-AAA).
Navy (BU-P-AAD, BU-P-LAR).
(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: May 30, 2019.
* As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION
Bulgaria--F-16 Block 70/72 New Purchase
The Government of Bulgaria has requested to buy eight (8)
F-16 C/D Block 70/72 aircraft; ten (10) F110 General Electric
engines (includes 2 spares); ten (10) Link-16 Multi-
Functional Information Distribution System (MIDS)--JTRS
(MIDS-JTRS) (includes 2 spares); nine (9) Improved Program
Display Generators (iPDG) (includes 1 spare); nine (9) AN/
APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radars
(includes 1 spare); four (4) AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Targeting Pods;
nine (9) Modular Mission Computers (MMC) 7000AH (includes 1
spare); nine (9) LN-260 Embedded GPS/INS (EGI); nine (9) M61
Vulcan 20mm Cannons; sixteen (16) AIM-120C7 Advanced Medium
Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs); one AIM-120C7 Spare
Guidance Section; twenty-four (24) AIM-9X Sidewinder
Missiles; eight (8) AIM-9X Captive Air Training Missiles
(CATM); four (4) AIM-9X Spare Tactical Guidance Sections;
four (4) AIM-9X Spare CATM Guidance Sections; forty-eight
(48) LAU-129 Multi-Purpose Launchers; fifteen (15) GBU-49
Enhanced Paveway II Kits; fifteen (15) GBU-54 Laser JDAM
Kits; twenty-eight (28) GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDB-1);
twenty-four (24) FMU-152 Fuzes; twenty-four (24) MK-82 Bombs
(Tritonal); six (6) MK82 Bombs (Inert); and thirteen (13)
MAU-210 Enhanced Computer Control Group (ECCG). Also included
are nine (9) AN/ALQ-211 Internal Advanced Integrated
Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites (including 1 spare); nine
(9) AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispensers (including 1 spare);
4,140 Infrared Flare countermeasures, with impulse
cartridges; 8,250 each of PGU-27A/B 20mm training and combat
munitions; thirty-six (36) MK-124 Signal/Smoke Illumination
devices; nine (9) APX-126 Advanced Identification Friend or
Foe (AIFF) units with Secure Communications and Cryptographic
Appliques; eighteen (18) AN/ARC-238 UHF/VHF SATURN Radios;
sixteen (16) AIM-120C AMRAAM training CATMs; Joint Mission
Planning System (JMPS) with software, training and support;
twenty (20) Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) II
with Night Vision Goggle compatibility; ten (10) Night Vision
Devices; two (2) Remote Operated Video Enhanced Receiver
(ROVER) 6i units, plus 1 ground station; ground training
device (flight and maintenance simulator); one (1) Avionics
I-level Test Station; Electronic Combat International
Security Assistance Program (ECISAP) support; Cartridge
Actuated and Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD) support;
Common Munitions Bit-test Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE)
support with Computer Test Set Adapter Group; communications
equipment; software delivery and support; facilities and
construction support; spares and repair/replace parts;
personnel training and training equipment; publications and
technical documentation; containers; munition support and
test equipment; aircraft and munition integration and test
support; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor
technical, engineering and logistical support services; and
other related elements of logistics and program support. The
estimated cost is $1.673 billion.
The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and
national security of the United States by helping to improve
security of a NATO ally and a key democratic partner of the
United States in ensuring peace and stability in this region.
The proposed sale will contribute to Bulgaria's capability
to provide for the defense of its airspace, regional
security, and interoperability with the United States and
NATO. These aircraft will provide Bulgaria with a fleet of
modernized multi-role combat aircraft, ensuring that Bulgaria
can effectively operate in hazardous areas and enhancing the
Bulgarian Air Force's interoperability with U.S. as well as
NATO forces. Bulgaria currently relies on the United States
and the United Kingdom to participate in joint air policing.
By acquiring these F-16s and the associated sustainment and
training package, Bulgaria will be able to provide for the
defense of its own airspace and borders. Bulgaria will have
no difficulty absorbing this aircraft and services into its
armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment will not alter the
basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be Lockheed Corporation,
Bethesda, Maryland. 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 Bulgaria.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 19-36
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 Bulgaria. The F-16C/D Block 70/72 weapon system
is unclassified, except as noted below. The aircraft utilizes
the F-16 airframe and features advanced avionics and systems.
It will contain the General Electric F110-129D engine, AN/
APG-83 radar, digital flight control system, embedded
internal global navigation system, Joint Helmet Mounted
Cueing Systems (JHMCS II) with night vision compatibility,
internal and external electronic warfare equipment, Advanced
IFF, LINK-16 datalink, operational flight trainer, and
software computer systems.
2. Sensitive and/or classified (up to SECRET) elements of
the proposed F-16 include hardware, accessories, components,
and associated software: LINK-16 (MIDS-JTRS) with TACAN and
ESHI Terminals, Multi-purpose Launcher (LAU-129), Internal
AN/ALQ-211 EW Management Systems, Advanced Identification
Friend or Foe (AIFF), Cryptographic Appliques (KIV-78), Dual-
band ARC-238 UHF/VHF Radios, KY-58M COMSEC Secure Voice
Processors, Joint Mission Planning System, F-16 Flight
Simulator, Avionics I-level Test Station, and SNIPER AN/AAQ-
33 Targeting Pods. Additional sensitive areas include
operating manuals, maintenance technical orders containing
performance information, operating and test procedures, and
other information related to support operations and repair.
The hardware, software and data identified are classified to
protect vulnerabilities, design and performance parameters
and other similar critical information.
3. The AN/APG-83 radar is an Active Electronically Scanned
Array (AESA) upgrade on the F-16. It includes higher
processor power, higher transmission power, more sensitive
receiver electronics, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR),
which creates higher resolution ground maps from a greater
distance than existing mechanically scanned array radars
(e.g., APG-68). The upgrade features an increase in detection
range of air targets, increase in processing speed and
memory, in addition to significant improvement in all
operating modes. The highest classification of the radar is
SECRET.
4. The Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low
Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT) is an advanced Link-16 command,
control, communications, and intelligence (C3I) system
incorporating high-capacity, jam-resistant, digital
communication links for exchange of near real-time tactical
information, including both data and voice, among air,
ground, and sea elements. MIDS-LVT is intended to support
key theater functions such as surveillance,
identification, air control, weapons engagement
coordination, and direction for all services and allied
forces. The system will provide jamming-resistant, wide-
area communications on a Link-16 network among MIDS and
Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS)
equipped platforms. The MIDS/LVT and MIDS On Ship Terminal
hardware, publications, performance specifications,
operational capability, parameters, vulnerabilities to
countermeasures, and software documentation are classified
CONFIDENTIAL. The classified information to be provided
consists of that which is necessary for the operation,
maintenance, and repair (through intermediate level) of
the data link terminal, installed systems, and related
software. Group A provision only will be transferred
initially.
5. EGI LN-260: The Embedded GPS INS (EG1) LN-260 is a
sensor that combines GPS and inertial sensor inputs to
provide accurate location information for navigation and
targeting. The EGI LN-260 is UNCLASSIFIED. The GPS crypto
variable keys needed for highest GPS accuracy are classified
up to SECRET.
6. The Modular Mission Computer (MMC) is the central
aircraft computer of the F-16. It serves as the hub for all
aircraft subsystems and avionics data transfer. The hardware
and software are classified SECRET.
7. The Improved Programmable Display Generator (iPDG) and
color multifunction displays utilize ruggedized commercial
liquid crystal display technology that is designed to
withstand the harsh environment found in
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modern fighter cockpits. The display generator is the fifth
generation graphics processor for the F-16, Through the use
of state-of-the-art microprocessors and graphics engines, it
provided orders of magnitude increases in throughput, memory,
and graphics capabilities. The hardware and software are
UNCLASSIFIED.
8. The SNIPER (AN/AAQ-33) targeting system is UNCLASSIFIED
and contains technology representing the latest state-of-the-
art in electro-optical clarity and haze, and low light
targeting capability. Information on performance and inherent
vulnerabilities is classified SECRET. Software (object code)
is classified CONFIDENTIAL. Overall system classification is
SECRET.
9. The M61 20mm Vulcan Cannon is a six barreled automatic
cannon chambered in 20x120mm with a cyclic rate of fire from
2,500-6,000 shots per minute. This weapon is a hydraulically
powered air cooled Gatling gun used to damage/destroy aerial
targets, suppress/incapacitate personnel targets and damage
or destroy moving and stationary light materiel targets. The
M61 and its components are UNCLASSIFIED.
10. The AIM-9X Block II SIDEWINDER Tactical Missile
includes the following advanced technology: Active Optical
Target Detector (AOTD), Gyro Optics Assembly within the
Guidance Control Section (GCS), Infrared Countermeasures
(IRCM), Detection and Rejection Circuitry, digital ignition
safety, a reduced smoke rocket motor and a weapons datalink
to support beyond visual range engagements. The equipment/
hardware, software, and maintenance are classified
CONFIDENTIAL. Manuals and technical documents are classified
SECRET. Performance and operating information is classified
SECRET.
11. The LAU-129 Guided Missile Launcher is capable of
launching the ATM-9 family of missile or AIM-120 Advanced
Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). The LAU-l29
launcher provides mechanical and electrical interface between
missile and aircraft. There are five versions produced
strictly for foreign military sales. The only difference
between these launchers is the material they are coated with
or the color of the coating.
12. The AIM-120C7 AMRAAM is a radar-guided missile
featuring digital technology and micro-miniature solid-state
electronics. The AMRAAM capabilities include look-down/shoot-
down, multiple launches against multiple targets, resistance
to electronic countermeasures, and interception of high- and
low-flying and maneuvering targets. The AMRAAM All Up Round
(AUR) is classified CONFIDENTIAL, major components and
subsystems range from UNCLASSIFIED to CONFIDENTIAL, and
technical data and other documentation are classified up to
SECRET.
13. Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) (General Overview)
is a Joint Service weapon which uses an onboard GPS-aided
Inertial Navigation System (INS) Guidance Set with a MK 82,
MK 83, MK 84, BLU-109, BLU-110, BLU-111, BLU-117, BLU-126
(Navy) or BLU-129 warhead. The Guidance Set, when combined
with a warhead and appropriate fuze, and tail kit forms a
JDAM Guided Bomb Unit (GBU). The JDAM Guidance Set gives
these bombs adverse weather capability with improved
accuracy. The tail kit contains an Inertial Navigation System
(INS) guidance/Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance to
provide highly accurate weapon delivery in any ``flyable''
weather. The INS, using updates from the GPS, helps guide the
bomb to the target via the use of movable tail fins. The JDAM
weapon can be delivered from modest standoff ranges at high
or low altitudes against a variety of land and surface
targets during the day or night. After release, JDAM
autonomously guides to a target, using the resident GPS-
aided INS guidance system. JDAM is capable of receiving
target coordinates via preplanned mission data from the
delivery aircraft, by onboard aircraft sensors (i.e. FLIR,
Radar, etc.) during captive carry, or from & third party
source via manual or automated aircrew cockpit entry. The
JDAM as an All Up Round is SECRET; technical data for JDAM is
classified up to SECRET.
14. GBU-54/56 (LJDAM) are 500 pound and 2,000 pound JDAM
respectively, which incorporate all the capabilities of the
JDAM and add a precision laser guidance set. The Laser-JDAM
(LJDAM) gives the weapon system an optional semi-active laser
guidance in addition to the correct GPS/INS guidance, which
allows for striking moving targets. The LJDAM AUR and all of
its components are SECRET; technical data for JDAM is
classified up to SECRET. The GBU-54/56 contain a GPS Receiver
Card with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module
(SAASM).
15. GBU-49 and GBU-50 Enhanced Paveway II (EP II) are
5001bs/20001bs dual mode laser and GPS guided munitions
respectively. The EP II works together with an embedded MAU-
210 Enhanced Computer Control Group (ECCG) to guide the
warhead to its laser-designated target. Information revealing
target designation tactics and associated aircraft maneuvers,
the probability of destroying specific/peculiar targets,
vulnerabilities regarding countermeasures and the
electromagnetic environment is classified SECRET. Information
revealing the probability of destroying common/unspecified
targets, the number of simultaneous lasers the laser seeker
head can discriminate, and data on the radar/infrared
frequency is classified CONFIDENTIAL.
16. The Guided Bomb Unit-39 (GBU-39/B) small diameter bomb
(SDB) is a 250-lb class precision guided munition that is
intended to provide aircraft with an ability to carry a high
number of bombs. The weapon offers day or night, adverse
weather, precision engagement capability against pre-planned,
fixed, or stationary soft, non-hardened, and hardened
targets, and provides greater than 50 NM standoff range.
Aircraft are able to carry four SDBs in place of one 2,000-lb
bomb. The SDB is equipped with a GPS-aided inertial
navigation system to attack fixed/stationary targets such as
fuel depots and bunkers. The SDB and all of its components
are SECRET; technical data is classified up to SECRET.
17. Joint Programmable Fuze (JPF) FMU-152 is a multi-delay,
multi-arm and proximity sensor compatible with general
purpose blast, frag and hardened-target penetrator weapons.
The JPF settings are cockpit selectable in flight when used
with JDAM weapons.
18. Mk-82 General Purpose (GP) bomb is a 500 pound, free-
fall, unguided, low-drag weapon. The Mk-82 is designed for
soft, fragment sensitive targets and is not intended for hard
targets or penetrations. The explosive filling is usually
tritonal, though other compositions have sometimes been used.
The overall classification of the weapon is UNCLASSIFIED.
19. Third generation aviation Night Vision Goggles (NVGs)
offer high resolution, high gain, and photo response to near
infrared light sources. Helmet mount configurations are
designed for fixed and rotary-wing applications. Hardware is
UNCLASSIFIED, and technical data and documentation to be
provided are UNCLASSIFIED.
20. 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.
21. A determination has been made that Bulgaria 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.
22. All defense articles and services listed in this
transmittal are authorized for release and export to the
Government of Bulgaria.
____________________