[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 189 (Tuesday, December 6, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6990-S6992]
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,
Washington, DC.
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)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as
amended, we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. 22-71,
concerning the Army's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of Poland for defense articles
and services estimated to cost $3.75 billion. We will issue a
news release to notify the public of
[[Page S6991]]
this proposed sale upon delivery of this letter to your
office.
Sincerely,
James A. Hursch,
Director.
Enclosures.
Transmittal No. 22-71
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: Republic of Poland.
(ii) Total Estimated Value: Major Defense Equipment * $3.25
billion.
Other $0.50 billion.
Total $3.75 billion.
Funding Source: National Funds and Foreign Military
Financing (FMF).
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
One hundred sixteen (116) M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks.
Twelve (12) M88A2 HERCULES Combat Recovery Vehicles.
Eight (8) M1110 Joint Assault Bridges.
Six (6) M577A3 Command Vehicles.
Twenty-six (26) M1152A1 High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled
Vehicles (HMMWVs).
Twenty-six (26) M1279A1 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles
(JLTV).
One hundred sixteen (116) M2 .50 Caliber Machine Guns.
Two hundred thirty-two (232) M240 7.62mm Machine Guns.
Six (6) AGT1500 Gas Turbine Engines.
Thirty thousand nine hundred twenty-eight (30,928) 120mm
M865 Target Practice; Cone Stabilized, Discarding Sabot--
Tracer (TPCSDS-T) Cartridges.
Twenty thousand eight hundred twenty-three (20,823) 120mm
M1002 Target Practice Multipurpose Tracer (TPMP-T)
Projectiles.
Sixty thousand (60,000) 120mm M829A4 Armor Piercing, Fin
Stabilized, Discarding Sabot-Tracer (APFSDS-T) Cartridges.
Two thousand (2,000) 120mm M829A3 Armor Piercing, Fin
Stabilized, Discarding Sabot-Tracer (APFSDS-T) Cartridges.
Fifty thousand (50,000) 120mm M829A2 Armor Piercing, Fin
Stabilized, Discarding Sabot-Tracer (APFSDS-T) Cartridges.
Ten thousand (10,000) 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank
(HEAT) TP-T Cartridges.
Sixty thousand (60,000) 120mm M908 High Explosive Obstacle
Reduction-Tracer (HE-OR-T) Cartridges.
Seventy thousand (70,000) 120mm M1147 High Explosive
Advanced Multipurpose Round Cartridges.
Non-MDE: Also included are Forward Repair Systems; Next
Generation (NG) Shop Equipment Maintenance Contact (SECM)
shelters; communications equipment; GPS receivers;
ammunition; Spare and Repair Parts; Special Tools and Test
Equipment (STTE); technical manuals and publications; new
equipment training; U.S. Government and contractor technical
engineering, logistics, and personnel services; and other
related elements of logistics and program support.
(iv) Military Department: Army (PL-B-UEC, PL-B-UED, PL-B-
UEE).
(v) Prior Related Cases, if any: PL-B-UDT.
(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: December 6, 2022.
*As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.
policy justification
Poland--M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks
The Government of Poland has requested to buy one hundred
sixteen (116) M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks; twelve (12)
M88A2 HERCULES Combat Recovery Vehicles; eight (8) M1110
Joint Assault Bridges; six (6) M577A3 Command Vehicles;
twenty-six (26) M1152A1 High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled
Vehicles (HMMWV); twenty-six (26) M1279A1 Joint Light
Tactical Vehicles (JLTV); one hundred sixteen (116) M2 .50
caliber machine guns; two hundred thirty-two (232) M240
7.62mm machine guns; six (6) AGT1500 gas turbine engines;
thirty thousand nine hundred twenty-eight (30,928) 120mm M865
Target Practice, Cone Stabilized, Discarding Sabot--Tracer
(TPCSDS-T) cartridges; twenty thousand eight hundred twenty-
three (20,823) 120mm M1002 Target Practice Multipurpose
Tracer (TPMP-T) projectiles; sixty thousand (60,000) 120mm
M829A4 Armor Piercing, Fin Stabilized, Discarding Sabot-
Tracer (APFSDS-T) cartridges; two thousand (2,000) 120mm
M829A3 Armor Piercing, Fin Stabilized, Discarding Sabot-
Tracer (APFSDS-T) cartridges; fifty thousand (50,000) 120mm
M829A2 Armor Piercing, Fin Stabilized, Discarding Sabot-
Tracer (APFSDS-T) Cartridges; ten thousand (10,000) 120mm
M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) TP-T cartridges; sixty
thousand (60,000) 120mm M908 High Explosive Obstacle
Reduction-Tracer (HE-OR-T) cartridges; and seventy thousand
(70,000) 120mm M1147 High Explosive Advanced Multipurpose
Round cartridges. Also included are Forward Repair Systems;
Next Generation (NG) Shop Equipment Maintenance Contact
(SECM) shelters; communications equipment; GPS receivers;
ammunition; Spare and Repair Parts; Special Tools and Test
Equipment (STTE); technical manuals and publications; new
equipment training; U.S. Government and contractor technical
engineering, logistics, and personnel services; and other
related elements of logistics and program support. The total
estimated program cost is $3.75 billion.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals
and national security objectives of the United States by
improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for
political stability and economic progress in Europe.
The proposed sale will improve Poland's capability to meet
current and future threats by providing a credible force that
is capable of deterring adversaries and participating in NATO
operations. Poland will have no difficulty absorbing this
equipment into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not
alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor(s) will be AAR, Wood Dale, IL;
Allison Transmissions, Birmingham, AL; Anniston Army Depot,
Anniston, AL; BAE Systems, Sterling Heights, MI; General
Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), Sterling Heights, MI;
Honeywell, Phoenix, AZ; L3Harris, Melbourne, FL; Leonardo
DRS, West Plains, MO; Lockheed Martin, Bethesda, MD; Palomar,
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; Pearson Engineering, Phoenix, AZ;
and US Ordnance, McCarran, NV. There are no known offset
agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require temporary
duty travel of three to five U.S. Government and contractor
representatives to Poland for a duration of up to five years
to support equipment fielding and training.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 22-71
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. M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank: The M1A1 Abrams is a
first-generation American main battle tank, produced by
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) and named for General
Creighton Abrams. M1A1 Abrams tank components are as follows:
a. Fire Enhancement Program (FEP): The FEP is the USMC M1A1
tank equivalent to the US Army domestic 2nd GEN FLIR. The
main difference between the two is in the switch-ology, with
the FEP having four (4) Search/Stare options as opposed to
the six (6) available on the 2nd GEN FLIR. The FEP provides
lethality upgrades to increase the M1A1 tank crew's ability
to detect, recognize, and identify targets. It hosts a
second-generation thermal sight (Abrams Integrated Display
and Targeting System-AIDATS), a North Finding Module/Far
Target Location capability displayed in sight (providing up
to 50x digital magnification), and Embedded diagnostics to
help troubleshoot the system. The FEP increases all-weather
engagement ranges, crew situational awareness and target
location accuracy.
b. Inertial Reference Unit (IRU) 9181E: The IRU is an
inertial navigation system that provides accurate vehicle
heading, attitude, position, elevation and navigation
information to the host vehicle prime system and operators,
both stationary and when moving under all operating
conditions.
The Inertial Reference Unit (IRU) can be configured as a
navigator (NavPAC) or as a pointing device (North Finding
Module, NFM). In either configuration, the IRU contains a GPS
receiver that provides vehicle location and velocities as
well as satellite tracking status. These GPS observations are
used by the IRU's Kalman filter to improve and enhance its
performance. The GPS unit is a Ground-Based GPS Receiver
Application Module (GB-GRAM) provided by Rockwell-Collins.
The Miniature PLGR Engine-SAASM (MPE-S), when keyed, provides
the Precise Positioning System (PPS) GPS data inputs to the
system. The system is a Selective Availability/Anti-Spoofing
Module (SAASM) based PPS GPS. The SAASM encapsulates all
classified data and signal processing into one tamper-proof
module. The SAASM provides jamming and spoofing protection
for US and allied forces operating in hostile environments.
c. 120mm Main Gun (Cannon) & M256 Gun Barrel: The Abrams
120mm main gun system is composed of a 120 millimeter (mm)
smoothbore gun (cannon) also referred to as the M256 gun
barrel; armor-piercing, fin stabilized, discarded sabot
(APFSDS) and other warheads; and combustible cartridge case
ammunition.
d. AGT-1500 Gas Turbine Propulsion System: The use of AGT-
1500 gas turbine propulsion system in the M1A1 is a unique
application of armored vehicle power pack technology.
e. Stabilized Commander's Weapon Station--(SCWS): The SCWS
provides day/night remote operation of the stabilized
Commander's machine gun in closed hatch mode while enhancing
Situational Awareness (provides CITV-like capability to the
Tank Commander Lethality). The SCWS uses a Remote Thermal
Sight (RTS) and the Abrams Integrated Display and Targeting
System (AIDATS) color display to generate motorized azimuth
and elevation variables.
Abrams Integrated Display and Targeting System (AIDATS)
operates in conjunction with the Tank Commander Single Handle
and slew-to-cue capabilities to maximize accuracy, range, and
lethality on the battlefield while decreasing enemy
engagement time by half. The AIDATS provides an upgraded
thermal and day sight on the SCWS via a high-definition
camera and permanently mounted color display.
[[Page S6992]]
f. Driver Vision Enhancer--Abrams (DVE-A) AN/VAS-5 and Rear
View Sensor System (RVSS): The AN/VAS-5 Driver Vision
Enhancer--Abrams (DVE-A) and Rear View Sensor System (RVSS)
are thermal imaging systems developed for use while driving
combat vehicles and tactical wheeled vehicles. The DVE-A
provides night vision capability for the Abrams tank driver.
RVSS provides a rear-view camera for the Abrams tank.
DVE-A and RVSS allow for tactical vehicle movement in
support of operational missions in all environmental
conditions (day/night and all weather) and provides enhanced
driving capability during limited visibility conditions
(darkness, smoke, dust, fog, etc.).
g. Global Positioning System (GPS) AN/PSN-13 Defense
Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR): Global Positioning System (GPS)
capability is currently provided to Abrams tanks using the
DAGR. The DAGR is a handheld GPS receiver, which utilizes
Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) security.
It is used for the Abrams tank, the M88A2 HERCULES Recovery
Vehicle and the Joint Assault Bridge.
h. Handheld Communication Radio AN/PRC-158: The AN/PRC-158
is a Very High Frequency/Ultra High Frequency (VHF/UHF)
multiband multi-channel (dual channel) radio. It is a
portable, compact, tactical software-defined combat-net radio
manufactured by L3/Harris Corporation. The AN/PRC-158
includes Type 1 encryption and a Selective Availability Anti-
Spoofing Module (SAASM) Global Positioning System (GPS)
receiver.
i. Battle Management System (BMS): The BMS for the Poland
M1A1 tank will consist of a Data Distribution Unit--
Expandable (DDUx), a transceiver, and commercial software
called Sitaware. It equips soldiers with secure data
encryption and advanced logistics. It includes an intuitive
interface with features like touch-to-zoom maps and drag-and-
drop icons.
j. AN/PVS-14, Night Vision Goggles: The AN/PVS-14 Night
Vision Goggle (NVG) is a lightweight, head-mounted self-
contained night vision system. It is used in starlight and
moonlight by individual soldiers for walking, driving
vehicles, weapon firing, short-range surveillance, and such
manual tasks as map reading, vehicle maintenance and
administering medical aid. Each NVG consists of an objective
lens assembly, image intensifier tube assembly and two
eyepiece assemblies integrated into a housing. The housing is
affixed to a head mount, which is held by head straps to a
user's head. The assembly incorporates an infrared (IR)
emitting light source, which provides illumination, when
required, for close-up viewing. Eyepiece diopter adjustment
is provided so the device may be worn without corrective
lens.
2. M88A2 HERCULES Recovery Vehicle: The primary role of the
M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lifting
Extraction System (HERCULES) Combat Recovery Vehicle is
recovery of the Abrams M1 Main Battle Tank. The 70-ton M88A2
Recovery Combat Vehicle is standard equipment to de-process,
recover, and sustain the Abrams M1 Tank. The vehicle's role
is to extricate combat vehicles that have become bogged down
or entangled; and to repair or replace damaged parts in
fighting vehicles while under fire. The M88A2 main winch is
capable of 70-ton single line recovery; and a 140-ton 2:1
recovery when used with a 140-ton pulley. The A-frame boom of
the M88A2 can lift 35 tons when used in conjunction with the
spade down. The spade can be used for light earth moving and
to anchor the vehicle when using the main winch. The M88A2
employs an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to provide auxiliary
electrical and hydraulic power when the main engine is not in
operation, the APU can also be used to slave start other
vehicles.
a. AVDS-1790-8CR Engine Propulsion System is a unique
modification to the standard piston engine family in the M60
series and the base M88A1.
b. Driver's Vision Enhancer (DVE-CV M88) is an un-cooled
thermal imaging system developed for use while driving Combat
Vehicles (CVs) and Tactical Wheeled Vehicles (TWVs). It
allows for tactical vehicle movement in support of
operational missions in all environmental conditions (day/
night and all weather) and provides enhanced driving
capability during limited visibility conditions (darkness,
smoke, dust, fog, etc.). The DVE provides night vision
targeting capabilities for armored vehicles and long-range
night vision reconnaissance capability to the warfighter.
c. Handheld Communication Radio AN/PRC-158 is a multiband
handheld radio. It is a portable, compact, tactical software-
defined combat-net radio manufactured by L3/Harris
Corporation.
3. M1110 Joint Assault Bridge: The M1110 Joint Assault
Bridge (JAB) is a fully tracked armor engineer vehicle
specifically designed to replace the M48/M60 AVLB, M104
Wolverine HAB and provide assault bridging capabilities to
armored forces. The JAB System consists of an M1A1 Abrams
chassis (with A2 heavy suspension) and a hydraulic bridge
launch mechanism that will launch and retrieve the Heavy
Assault Scissor Bridge MLC-115 Normal and MLC-124 Caution.
4. Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV): The Joint Light
Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program is a light tactical vehicle
designed to replace the U.S. Military's aging High Mobility
Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle fleet. It was designed to close
the existing gap in payload, performance, and protection to
our adversaries during multi-domain operations. It has been
an operationally optimal choice for the light tactical
vehicle mission spectrum anywhere in the world. All JLTV
mission variants include a strong balance of protection,
maneuverability, speed, reliability, and combat support/
combat service support capability that far surpasses any
similar vehicle developed in its weight class today.
a. The JLTV is designed to be a system of system. System of
systems is a ``set or arrangement of systems that results
when independent and useful systems are integrated into a
larger system that delivers unique capabilities. The Joint
Light Tactical Vehicle allows material and equipment from
authorized contractors or industrial facilities used by U.S.
forces in tactical operations and managed by other Program
Offices that may have considered a type of classification.
Other than its classified armor and ballistic protection, the
JLTV is considered an unclassified tactical system. When
adding integration C4ISR systems (installed or mounted),
electronic countermeasures jamming devices, navigation
systems or battle management systems to the JLTV, these
integrated or installed system will increase the over
security classification to the vehicle.
b. The JLTV's A/B Armor protection technical and test data
of armor coupon, ballistic hull exploitation, Behind Armor
Debris (BAD) and Full Up System Level (FUSL) Live Fire test
data and protection levels to include Under Body (UB) blast,
Under Wheel (UW) blast, Under Body (UB) IED, side attack (SA)
IED, direct fire, and artillery enhancements are all
classified technical information. The JLTV has inherent armor
built into the base vehicle. It is what the US Government
(USG) calls A-Kit armor. This A-Kit Inherent armor provides
both opaque and transparent armor solutions to provide a 360-
degree azimuthal (i.e., all around) to include an elevated
fire level of protection from a spectrum of kinetic energy/
small arms fire threats with survivability enhancements to
include Automatic Fire Extinguishing Protection (AFES) and
structural rollover protection of 150% of the vehicle Ground
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The B-kit includes: 1) a
combined underbody deflector plate and Energy Absorbent (EA)
seat mechanisms to mitigate occupant incapacity (per Annex Q)
for both anti-tank land mine blast and Improvised Explosive
Device (IED) blast and fragmentation kill mechanisms, 2) a
design that provides a higher level protection against
significantly larger Under Wheel (UW) blast threats that also
leverages vehicle frontal and rear tear-away structural
design lessons learned from OEF and OIF, 3) a direct fire B-
kit that adds on to the Inherent armor/A-Kit to defeat a
higher level all-around direct fire threat, side attack IED
attack blast and fragmentation kill mechanisms, with
additional roof armor for top attack threats that include
direct fire and artillery enhancements.
c. C4ISR systems (installed or mounted), electronic
countermeasures jamming devices, navigation systems or battle
management systems that are integrated or installed system in
the JLTV will follow the same security guidelines based on
their program security classification guide.
5. The highest level of classification of defense articles,
components, and services included in this potential sale is
SECRET.
6. 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.
7. A determination has been made that Poland will 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.
8. All defense articles and services listed in this
transmittal have been authorized for release and export to
the Republic of Poland.
____________________