[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.

                          ____________________