[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 214 (Monday, December 13, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9120-S9122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam 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. Robert Menendez,
Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations,
U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: Pursuant to the reporting requirements
of Section 36(b)(l) of the Arms Export Control Act, as
amended, we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. 21-64,
concerning the Navy's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of Greece for defense articles
and services estimated to cost $2.5 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,
Jedidiah P. Royal,
Acting Director.
Enclosures.
Transmittal No. 21-64
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 Greece.
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment $1.5 billion.
Other $1.0 billion.
Total $2.5 billion.
Funding Source: National Funds.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase: The Government of
Greece has requested to buy equipment and services to repair,
update, and enhance their four (4) existing Hellenic Navy
(HN) MEKO Class frigates. These upgrades will include the
following:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
Eight (8) Close in Weapon Systems (CIWS) Phalanx BLK 1B
Baseline 2 Upgrade Kits.
Four (4) MK 45, 5'' 54 Caliber Gun Overhauls.
Four (4) MK 49 Guided Missile Launcher Systems.
Four (4) COMBATSS-21 Combat Management Systems.
Four (4) AN/SQS-56 Sonar Overhauls.
Non-MDE: Also included is the repair and/or upgrade of
existing systems; ordnance; testing; training; systems
integration; follow-on technical support; acquisition,
upgrades, and overhaul of Narwhal 20A Gun System; Sylena MK 2
Decoy Launching System with CANTO torpedo countermeasure;
Radar/Fire Control TRS-4D; Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
Mode 5; NIXIE SLQ-25 Surface Ship Torpedo Defense System;
Helicopter Handling System (Repairs); Defense Advance GPS
Receiver (DAGR); Gun Computer System (GCS); Low Frequency
Active Towed Sonar (LFATS); Compact Low Frequency Active
Passive Variable Depth Sonar-2 (CAPTAS-2); Infrared Search &
Track System (IRST); Elta Electronic Warfare (EW), with C-
ESM, R-ESM, and ECM capability; Naval Laser-Warning System
(NLWS); 7 meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB); SQQ-89 ASW
System; Fire Control Radar System; Improved Point Detection
System-Lifecycle Replacement (IPDS-LR); Enhanced Maritime
Biological Detection (EMBD), as well as significant Hull,
Mechanical and Electrical upgrades, replacements, and
repairs; support and test equipment; spare and repair parts;
communications equipment, including Link 16 communications
equipment; Battlefield Information Collection and
Exploitation System (BICES); AN/SRQ-4 Tactical Common
Datalink (TCDL); Global Command and Control System-Joint
(GCCS-J); Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI);
cryptographic equipment including SY-150, SY117G, and KYV-5M;
software delivery and support; publications and technical
documentation; personnel training and training equipment;
U.S. Government and contractor engineering, systems
integration, technical, and logistics support services; test
and trials support; studies and surveys; and other related
elements of logistical and program support.
(iv) Military Department: Navy (GR-P-LJO).
(v) Prior Related Cases, if any: None.
(vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Offered, or Agreed
to be Paid: None known.
(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: December 10,
2021.
* As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION
Greece--MEKO Class Frigate Modernization
The Government of Greece has requested to buy equipment and
services to repair, update, and enhance their four (4)
existing Hellenic Navy (HN) MEKO Class frigates. These
upgrades will include the following: eight (8) Close in
Weapon Systems (CIWS) Phalanx BLK 1B Baseline 2 upgrade kits;
four (4) MK 45, 5'' 54 caliber gun overhauls; four (4) MK 49
Guided Missile Launcher Systems; four (4) COMBATSS-21 Combat
Management Systems; and, four (4) AN/SQS-56 Sonar overhauls.
Also included is the repair and/or upgrade of existing
systems; ordnance; testing; training; systems integration;
follow-on technical support; acquisition, upgrades, and
overhaul of Narwhal 20A Gun System; Sylena MK 2 Decoy
Launching System with CANTO torpedo countermeasure; Radar/
Fire Control TRS-4D; Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode
5; NIXIE SLQ-25 Surface Ship Torpedo Defense System;
Helicopter Handling System (Repairs); Defense Advance GPS
Receiver (DAGR); Gun Computer System (GCS); Low Frequency
Active Towed Sonar (LFATS); Compact Low Frequency Active
Passive Variable Depth Sonar-2 (CAPTAS-2); Infrared Search &
Track System (IRST); Elta Electronic Warfare (EW), with C-
ESM, R-ESM, and ECM capability; Naval Laser-Warning System
(NLWS); 7 meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB); SQQ-89 ASW
System; Fire Control Radar System; Improved Point Detection
System-Lifecycle Replacement (IPDS-LR); Enhanced Maritime
Biological Detection (EMBD), as well as significant Hull,
Mechanical and Electrical upgrades, replacements, and
repairs; support and test equipment; spare and repair parts;
communications equipment, including Link 16 communications
equipment; Battlefield Information Collection and
Exploitation System (BICES); AN/SRQ-4 Tactical Common
Datalink (TCDL); Global Command and Control System-Joint
(GCCS-J); Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI);
cryptographic equipment including SY-150, SY-117G, and KYV-
5M; software delivery and support; publications and technical
documentation; personnel training and training equipment;
U.S. Government and contractor engineering, systems
integration, technical,
[[Page S9121]]
and logistics support services; test and trials support;
studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistical
and program support. The estimated total cost is $2.5
billion.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and
national security objectives of the United States by helping
to improve the security of a NATO ally, which is an important
partner for political stability and economic progress in
Europe.
The proposed sale will improve Greece's capability to meet
current and future threats by providing an effective
combatant deterrent capability to protect maritime interests
and infrastructure in support of its strategic location on
NATO's southern flank. This acquisition, which will be
awarded to the winner of an international competition for the
Hellenic Navy (HN) MEKO Class Frigate Upgrade, will enhance
stability and maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean
region and contribute to security and strategic objectives of
NATO and the United States. Greece contributes to NATO
operations in Kosovo, as well as to counterterrorism and
counter-piracy maritime efforts. Greece will have no
difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its
armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not
alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be Raytheon Missiles and
Defense, Waltham, MA; Lockheed Martin, Bethesda, MD; BAE
Systems, Arlington, VA; and VSE Corporation, Alexandria, VA.
There are no known offset agreements in connection with this
potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the
assignment of 3 additional U.S. Government and (5) contractor
representatives, Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions to
Greece.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 21-64
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 MEKO Class Frigate Modernization (Upgrades) will
provide Greece with an increased ability to identify, engage,
and defeat maritime security threats in open waters of the
Mediterranean and Aegean Seas (NATO's Southern Flank). These
enhancements will deliver protection-in-depth for Greece's
industrial infrastructure and sea lines of communication.
a. Close in Weapon Systems (CIWS) MK 15 Phalanx BLK 1B
Baseline 2 Upgrade Kits is a close-in weapon system for
defense against incoming threats such as small boats, surface
torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and helicopters. It was
designed and manufactured by the General Dynamics
Corporation, Pomona Division later a part of Raytheon. The
upgraded MK 15 Phalanx 1B Baseline 2 improves detection
performance, increases reliability, and reduces maintenance.
It also has a surface mode to track, detect, and destroy
threats closer to the water's surface, increasing the ability
to defend against fast-attack boats and low-flying missiles.
b. MK 45, 5''54 Caliber Gun overhaul by performing a
Standard Pier-Side Maintenance & Repair (SPMR) of the MK 45
Gun Systems. The MK 45 Gun is a fully-automatic naval gun
mount employed against surface (Anti-Surface Warfare--ASuW),
air (Anti-Air Warfare--AAW), and land attack (Naval Surface
Fire Support--NSFS) targets.
c. MK 49 Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS) is used to
deploy the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM).
d. COMBATSS-21 is the ship's battle management system,
which is produced by Lockheed Martin and derived from the
USN's latest AEGIS combat management system. The COMBATSS-21
Combat Management System is the backbone of the Freedom-
variant self-defense suite and integrates the radar, electro-
optical infrared cameras, gun fire control system,
countermeasures and short-range anti-air missiles.
e. Upgrading the existing AN/SQS-56 Sonar is accomplished
by replacement of defective transducers and staves and
upgrading the electronics in the Hull Mounted Sonar as well
as the SQS-56 adjunct processor. The AN/SQS-56 is a modern
hull-mounted sonar. The sonar is an active/passive, preformed
beam, digital sonar providing panoramic echo ranging and
panoramic (DIMUS) passive surveillance. A single operator can
search, track, classify and designate multiple targets from
the active system while simultaneously maintaining anti-
torpedo surveillance on the passive display.
f. The 20mm Narwhal gun system is a gyro-stabilized mount
armed with a 20mm automatic cannon, an electro-optic, charge-
coupled device camera, and a closed loop, fire-control
system, which can be controlled remotely to enable system
operation, target acquisition and tracking, and fire opening
by the gun operator. Optional add-ons include a thermal
camera, laser rangefinder and target automatic tracking video
system. The 20mm gun has a firing rate of 800 rounds per
minute of NATO standard ammunition, and is produced by the
French Government-owned Nexter Systems.
g. Sylena MK 2 Decoy Launching System with CANTO is a
torpedo countermeasure. The Sylena MK 2 launches the CANTO
decoy, which generates a high-level, 360-degree acoustic
signal to jam the full frequency range of an attacking
torpedo. Sylena MK 2 is available internationally from
Lacroix; CANTO from Naval Group.
h. TRS-4D radar is a three-dimensional, air volume
surveillance radar with fast target alert, which provides
target designation to the combat management system for anti-
air warfare (AAW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW). The TRS-4D
radar is manufactured by Hensoldt a German company. It
provides sensor support for surface gun fire control with
splash detection, ship-controlled helicopter approach
support, jammer detection, tracking and suppression, cued
search with enhanced detection performance for a dedicated
sector, cued track with high-accuracy target tracking for
missile guidance, and target classification, integrated IFF,
and is integrated with the combat management system. The
system is available internationally through Hensoldt.
i. Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5 is an
identification system designed for command and control. It
enables military and national (civilian air traffic control)
interrogation systems to identify aircraft, vehicles or
forces as friendly. Mode 5 provides a cryptographically
secured version of Mode S and ADS-8 GPS position.
j. AN/ARC-210 GEN 6 (RT-2036(C)) version is a radio that
provides two-way, multi-mode voice and data communications
with military aircraft over Very High Frequency (VHF) and
Ultra High Frequency (UHF) range using U.S. Type 1
encryption. ARC-210 radios contain embedded sensitive
encryption algorithms, keying material and integrated
waveforms.
k. SY-117G is a combat manpack radio with Type 1 encryption
for secure voice communication. In the HN MEKO Upgrade
configuration, the radio will be used for interoperable,
secure Satellite Communications (SATCOM). The SY-117G COMSEC
device is a Controlled Cryptographic Item (CCI).
l. SY-150 is a combat manpack radio with Type 1 encryption.
The SY-150 COMSEC device is a CCI.
m. KYV-5M supports tactical secure voice communications.
The KYV-5M COMSEC device is a CCI.
n. The Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation
System (BICES) is a web-enabled, multi-national intelligence
system that provides near real-time, correlated, situation
and order of battle information.
o. Global Command and Control System-Joint (GCCS-J) is a
command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence
system consisting of hardware, software (commercial-off-the-
shelf and government-off-the-shelf), procedures, standards,
and interfaces that provide an integrated near real-time
picture of the battlespace necessary to conduct joint and
multinational operations. For the HN MEKO Upgrade
configuration, GCCS-J will use Type 1 encryption.
p. Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI) is a tactical
command and control system that integrates land, air and sea
domains to report real-time sensor information across the
battlespace.
q. The NIXIE SLQ-25 Surface Ship Torpedo Defense System is
a digitally controlled, electro-acoustic, soft kill
countermeasure decoy system capable of countering wake homing
torpedoes, acoustic homing torpedoes, and wire guided
torpedoes. NIXIE provides active/passive detection, location,
threat identification of torpedoes and other acoustic
targets. NIXIE's towed body, the decoy which diverts the
threat from the ship, connects to the management system using
a fiber optic cable to control the signals emitted by the
decoy.
r. Defense Advance GPS Receiver (DAGR) provides secure,
military Selective Availability/Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM)-
based GPS in the most reliable and proven handheld form
available today. It is a military-grade, dual-frequency
receiver, and has the security hardware necessary to decode
encrypted P(Y)-code GPS signals. Features include: graphical
screen, with the ability to overlay map images, 12-channel
continuous satellite tracking for ``all-in-view'' operation,
simultaneous L1/L2 dual frequency GPS signal reception,
extended performance in a diverse jamming environment, and
SAASM compatibility.
s. The Gun Computer System (GCS) directs the actions of the
ship's main gun battery and receives orders for engagement
and firing authorization from the Combat Management System.
The GCS takes target data from ship sensors for air and
surface targets, or operator-entered data for targets ashore,
and calculates ballistic solutions and outputs gun
positioning orders, ammunition loading and firing orders for
the mount.
t. Low Frequency Active Towed Sonar (LFATS) is a low
frequency, variable depth sonar used to detect, track and
engage submarines. LFATS incorporates active and passive
processing with 360-degree coverage. The VDS-100 system is
designed for high performance at a lower operating frequency
for improved performance.
u. Compact Low Frequency Active Passive Variable Depth
Sonar-2 (CAPTAS-2) is a key sensor technology for identifying
conventional, diesel-powered submarines operating in
difficult sonar environments, such as littoral waters.
CAPTAS-2 employs a single winch, which is used to pull the
transmit tow body, and receiver array.
v. Infrared Search and Track (IRST) is a 360-degree,
panoramic, day and night, passive air and surface
surveillance system. The IRST system provides long-range
detection with tracking of conventional, asymmetric and
emerging threats.
[[Page S9122]]
w. Elta Electronic Warfare (EW) suite provides Radar
Electronic Support Measures (RESM), Communications
Electronics Support Measures (CESM), and Electronic
Countermeasures (ECM) with counter-Unmanned Aerial System
capability. Elta EW to include C-ESM, R-ESM, and ECM
capability. The Elta EW suite is available internationally
through ELTA Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace
Industries.
x. Naval Laser-Warning System (NLWS) provides real time
situational awareness of laser-based threats to enhance the
tactical picture. NLWS interfaces with the ship's CMS,
electronic support measures and onboard countermeasure
system. NLWS is available internationally from SAAB.
y. SRQ-4 provides the Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL) to
serve COMBATSS-21 for command and control (C2) functions for
radar, FLIR and ESM data. Also, as the TCDL terminal on the
ship, the AN/SRQ-4 exchanges classified SECRET level acoustic
data with the AN/SQQ-89 for real-time shipboard processing of
MH-60R deployed sonobuoys, increased sonobuoy processing,
updated sonobuoy control and increased ASW tracks. The AN/
SQQ-89 accepts MH-60R ASW data and processes the data
shipboard as a coordinated tactical ASW picture with the
Variable Depth Sonar. ASW Operators, at AN/SQQ-89 consoles,
analyze the classified SECRET level data and integrate with
COMBATSS-21 to provide full implementation and access to the
capabilities of the MH-60R. The MH-60R Multi-Mission
Helicopters, procured by the Hellenic Navy under a separate
FMS case, introduces dipping sonar, upgraded radar,
electronic warfare, weapons including MK 54 torpedoes and
external command and control systems. With the MH-60R comes
the need for a Ku-Band Common Data Link via a shipboard AN/
SRQ-4 Radio Terminal System to support the high data rate
requirements associated with aircraft systems.
z. The AN/SQQ-89 Undersea Warfare Combat System is a naval
anti-submarine warfare (ASW) system for surface warships. The
system presents an integrated picture of the tactical
situation by receiving, combining and processing active and
passive sensor data from the hull-mounted array, towed array
and sonobuoys. The AN/SQQ-89 will interface with the SQS-56
sonar, VDS, SQR-4 and COMBATSS-21. It provides a full range
of undersea warfare (USW) functions including active and
passive sensors, underwater fire control, onboard trainer and
a highly evolved display subsystem.
aa. The Fire Control Radar System is a medium-to-long range
radar that interfaces with the Gun Control System (GCS) and
COMBATSS-21.
bb. Improved Point Detection System-Lifecycle Replacement
(IPDS-LR) is a ship-based Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA)
detector designed for chemical detection of chemical warfare
agent vapors onboard navy ships. The detector units have
special interference rejection built into the detection
algorithm and meets specifications for false alarm thresholds
with sensitivity requirements. The sampling system includes
specially designed sampling lines, filters, and bulkhead
adapters to operate in marine environments.
cc. Enhanced Maritime Biological Detection (EMBD) is an
automated biological point detection and identification
system that provides near real time biological detection,
warning, and presumptive identification against Biological
Warfare Agents (BWAs). EMBD will provide an early indication
that a BWA attack has occurred and provide identification
information allowing ship commanding officers to select from
an array of countermeasures that can prevent or limit
exposure to the ship and other ships in the naval task force.
dd. Link 16 is an advanced 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. It
provides the warfighter key theater functions such as
surveillance, identification, air control, weapons engagement
coordination, and direction for all services and allied
forces. With modernized cryptography, Link 16 will ensure
interoperability into the future.
2. The overall highest level of classification of defense
articles, components, and services included in this potential
sale is SECRET.
3. 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.
4. A determination has been made that Greece 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
the Government of Greece.
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO Sec. 620C (d) OF THE FOREIGN ASSISTANCE ACT
OF 1961, AS AMENDED
Pursuant to Section 620C(d) of the Foreign Assistance Act
of 1961, as amended (the Act), Executive Order 12163, State
Department Delegation of Authority No. 293-2, and State
Department Delegation of Authority 510; I hereby certify that
the furnishing to Greece of equipment and services to repair,
update, and enhance four existing MEKO Class frigates is
consistent with the principles contained in Section 620C(b)
of the Act.
This certification will be made part of the notification to
Congress under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act,
as amended, regarding the proposed sale of the above-named
articles and services and is based on the justification
accompanying such notification, of which such justification
constitutes a full explanation.
Bonnie Jenkins,
Under Secretary for Arms Control
and International Security.
____________________