[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;

[[Page S3156]]

     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

[[Page S3157]]

     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.

                          ____________________