[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 20 (Monday, February 5, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S357-S359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION

  Mr. CARDIN. 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,

                                                   Washington, DC.
     Hon. Benjamin L. Cardin,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: Pursuant to the reporting requirements 
     of Section 36(6)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as 
     amended, we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. 24-07, 
     concerning the Air Force's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and 
     Acceptance to the Government of India for defense articles 
     and services estimated to cost $3.99 billion. We will issue a 
     news release to notify the public of this proposed sale upon 
     delivery of this letter to your office.
           Sincerely,
                                                  James A. Hursch,
                                                         Director.
       Enclosures.


                         Transmittal No. 24-07

     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 India.
       (ii) Total Estimated Value:
       Major Defense Equipment* $1.70 billion.
       Other $2.29 billion.
       Total $3.99 billion.
       Funding Source: National Funds.
       (iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or 
     Services under Consideration for Purchase:
       Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
       Thirty-one (31) MQ-9B Sky Guardian Aircraft.
       One hundred sixty-one (161) Embedded Global Positioning & 
     Inertial Navigation Systems (EGIs).
       Thirty-five (35) L3 Rio Grande Communications Intelligence 
     Sensor Suites.
       One hundred seventy (170) AGM-114R Hellfire Missiles.
       Sixteen (16) M36E9 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles 
     (CATM).
       Three hundred ten (310) GBU-39B/B Laser Small Diameter 
     Bombs (LSDB).
       Eight (8) GBU-39B/B LSDB Guided Test Vehicles (GTVs) with 
     live fuzes.
       Non-MDE: Also included are Certifiable Ground Control 
     Stations; TPE-331-10-GD engines; M299 Hellfire missile 
     launchers; KIV-77 cryptographic appliques and other 
     Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment; KOR-24A Small 
     Tactical Terminals (STT); AN/SSQ-62F, AN/SSQ-53G, and AN/SSQ-
     36 sonobuoys; ADU-891/E Adapter Group Test Sets; Common 
     Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment 
     (CMBRE); GBU-398/B tactical training rounds, Weapons Load 
     Crew Trainers, and Reliability Assessment Vehicles 
     Instrumented; Portable Pre-flight/Post-flight Equipment 
     (P3E); CCM-700A encryption devices; KY-100M narrowband/
     wideband terminals; KI-133 cryptographic units; AN/PYQ-10 
     Simple Key Loaders; Automatic Identification System (AIS) 
     transponders; ROVER 6Si and TNR2x transceivers; MR6000 ultra 
     high frequency (UHF) and very high frequency (VHF) radios; 
     Selex SeaSpray Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) 
     surveillance radars; HISAR-300 radars; SNC 4500 Auto 
     Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM) Systems; SAGE 750 ESM 
     systems; Due Regard Radars (DRR); MX-20 Electro-Optical 
     Infrared (EO-IR) Laser Target Designators (LTDs); Ku-Band 
     SATCOM GAASI Transportable Earth Stations (GATES); C-Band 
     Line-of-Sight (LOS) Ground Data Terminals; AN/DPX-7IFF 
     transponders; Compact Multi-band Data Links (CMDL); initial 
     spare and repair parts, consumables, accessories, and repair 
     and return support; secure communications, precision 
     navigation, and cryptographic equipment; munitions support 
     and support equipment; testing and integration support and 
     equipment; classified and unclassified software delivery and 
     support; classified and unclassified publications and 
     technical documentation; personnel training and training 
     equipment; transportation support; warranties; studies and 
     surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, 
     technical, and logistics support services; and other related 
     elements of logistics and program support.
       (iv) Military Department: Air Force (IN-D-SAF).
       (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: None.
       (vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc.. Paid, Offered, or Agreed 
     to be Paid: None known at this time.
       (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: February 1, 2024.

[[Page S358]]

       *As defined in Section 47(6) of the Anns Export Control 
     Act.


                          policy justification

                 India--MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft

       The Government of India has requested to buy thirty-one 
     (31) MQ-9B Sky Guardian aircraft; one hundred sixty-one (161) 
     Embedded Global Positioning & Inertial Navigation Systems 
     (EGis); thirty-five (35) L3 Rio Grande Communications 
     lntelligence Sensor Suites; one hundred seventy (170) AGM-
     l14R Hellfire missiles; sixteen (16) M36E9 Hellfire Captive 
     Air Training Missiles (CATM); three hundred ten (310) GBU-
     39B/B Laser Small Diameter Bombs (LSDB); and eight (8) GBU-
     398/B LSDB Guided Test Vehicles (GTVs) with live fuzes. Also 
     included are Certifiable Ground Control Stations; TPE-331-10-
     0D engines; M299 Hellfire missile launchers; KIV-77 
     cryptographic appliques and other Identification Friend or 
     Foe (IFF) equipment; KOR 24A Small Tactical Terminals (STT); 
     AN/SSQ-62F, AN/SSQ-53G, and AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys; ADU-891/E 
     Adapter Group Test Sets; Common Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT) 
     Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); GBU-39B/B tactical training 
     rounds, Weapons Load Crew Trainers, and Reliability 
     Assessment Vehicles-Instrumented; Portable Pre-flight/Post-
     flight Equipment (P3E); CCM-700A encryption devices; KY-100M 
     Narrowband/wideband terminals; KI-133 cryptographic units; 
     AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders; Automatic Identification System 
     (AIS) transponders; ROVER 6Si and TNR2x transceivers; MR6000 
     ultra high frequency (UHF) and very high frequency (VHF) 
     radios; Selex SeaSpray Active Electronically Scanned Array 
     (AESA) surveillance radars; HISAR-300 Radars; SNC 4500 Auto 
     Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM) Systems; SAGE 750 ESM 
     systems; Due Regard Radars (DRR); MX-20 Electro-Optical 
     Infrared (EO-IR) Laser Target Designators (LTDs); Ku-Band 
     SATCOM GAASI Transportable Earth Stations (GATES); C-Band 
     Line-of-Sight (LOS) Ground Data Terminals; AN/DPX-7 IFF 
     transponders; Compact Multi-band Data Links (CMDL); initial 
     spare and repair parts, consumables, accessories, and repair 
     and return support; secure communications, precision 
     navigation, and cryptographic equipment; munitions support 
     and support equipment; testing and integration support and 
     equipment; classified and unclassified software delivery and 
     support; classified and unclassified publications and 
     technical documentation; personnel training and training 
     equipment; transportation support; warranties; studies, and 
     surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, 
     technical, and logistics support services; and other related 
     elements of logistics and program support. The estimated 
     total cost is $3.99 billion.
       This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and 
     national security objectives of the United States by helping 
     to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and to 
     improve the security of a major defensive partner which 
     continues to be an important force for political stability, 
     peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South 
     Asia region.
       The proposed sale will improve India's capability to meet 
     current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance 
     and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation. India 
     has demonstrated a commitment to modernizing its military and 
     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 contractor will be General Atomics 
     Aeronautical Systems, Poway, CA. The purchaser typically 
     requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in 
     negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.
       Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the 
     assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor 
     representatives to India.
       There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness 
     as a result of this proposed sale.


                         transmittal no. 24-07

     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 MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) is a weapons-
     ready aircraft designed for Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance 
     (MALE); Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR); 
     Target Acquisition; and Strike Missions. The MQ-9B RPA is not 
     a USAF program of record, but has close ties to, and builds 
     upon, the proven success of the MQ-9A Reaper. The MQ-9B is a 
     highly modular, easily configurable aircraft that contains 
     the necessary hard points, power, and data connections to 
     accommodate a variety of payloads and munitions to meet 
     multiple missions--including counter-land, counter-sea, and 
     anti-submarine strike operations. The system is designed to 
     be controlled by two operators within a Certifiable Ground 
     Control Station (CGCS). The MQ-9B is able to operate using a 
     direct Line-of-Sight (LOS) dtalink or Beyond Line-of-Sight 
     (BLOS) through satellite communications (SATCOM). The MQ-9B 
     system can be deployed from a single site that supports 
     launch, recovery, mission control, and maintenance. The 
     system also supports remote-split operations where launch, 
     recovery, and maintenance occur at a Forward Operating Base 
     and mission control is conducted from another location or 
     Main Operating Base (MOB).
       a. The Honeywell TPE-331-10-GD is a turboprop engine with 
     power output ranging from 429 to 1,230 kW.
       b. The M-Code capable Embedded Global Positioning System/
     Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS) (EGI), with an embedded 
     GPS Precise Positioning Service (PPS) Receiver Application 
     Module-Standard Electronic Module (GRAM-S/M), is a self-
     contained navigation system that provides acceleration, 
     velocity, position, attitude, platform azimuth, magnetic and 
     true heading, altitude, body angular rates, time tags, and 
     coordinated universal time (UTC) synchronized time. The 
     embedded GRAM-S/M enables access to both the enrypted P(Y) 
     and M-Code signals, providing protection against active 
     spoofing attacks, enhanced military exclusivity, integrity, 
     and anti-jam.
       c. The MX-20HD is a gyro-stabilized, multi-spectral, multi-
     field-of-view (FOV) Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) 
     targeting system. The system provides surveillance laser 
     illumination and laser designation through use of an 
     externally mounted turret sensor unit and internally mounted 
     master control. Sensor video imagery is displayed in the 
     aircraft in real time and may be recorded for subsequent 
     analysis.
       2. The Ground Control Station (GCS) can be either fixed or 
     mobile. The fixed GCS is enclosed in a customer-specified 
     shelter. It incorporates workstations that allow operators to 
     control and monitor the aircraft, as well as record and 
     exploit downlinked payload data. The mobile GCS allows 
     operators to perform the same functions and is contained on a 
     mobile trailer. Workstations in either GCS can be tailored to 
     meet customer requirements.
       3. L3 Rio Grande capabilities meet rigorous mission 
     requirements for small, manned and unmanned intelligence, 
     surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms. Rio Grande 
     intercepts, locates, monitors, and records communications 
     signals using a common set of software applications. Rio 
     Grande operates open architecture design, supports third-
     party special signals applications, real-time audio recording 
     and playback, and a three-dimensional display of the area of 
     interest.
       4. The AGM-114R Hellfire is a missile equipped with a Semi-
     Active Laser (SAL) seeker that homes-in on the reflected 
     light of a laser designator. The AGM-114R can be launched 
     from higher altitudes than previous variants because of its 
     enhanced guidance and navigation capabilities, which include 
     a Height-of-Burst (HOB) proximity sensor. With its multi-
     purpose warhead, the missile can destroy hard, soft, and 
     enclosed targets. The sale will include Captive Air Flight 
     Training Missiles (CATM), which are inert devices used for 
     training to handle Hellfire missiles.
       5. The GBU-39B/B Laser Small Diameter Bomb (LSDB) All Up 
     Round (AUR) is a 250-pound OPS and semi-active laser guided, 
     small autonomous, day or night, adverse weather, 
     conventional, air-to-ground precision glide weapon able to 
     strike fixed and stationary, relocatable, non-hardened 
     targets from standoff ranges. The LSDB's laser guidance set 
     enables the weapon to strike moving targets. It is intended 
     to provide aircraft with an ability to carry a high number of 
     bombs. Aircraft are able to carry four SDBs in place of one 
     2,000-pound bomb. The Guided Test Vehicle, Reliability 
     Assessment Vehicle-Instrumented, Tactical Training Round 
     (TTR), and Weapons Load Crew Trainer are LSDB configurations 
     with telemetry kits or inert fills in place of the warhead, 
     and are used to test the LSDB weapon system or for flight and 
     ground crew training.
       6. The M299 launcher provides a mechanical and electrical 
     interface between the Hellfire missile and aircraft.
       7. The KIV-77 is a cryptographic applique for IFF. It can 
     be loaded with Mode 5 classified elements.
       8. The KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminal is a 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.
       9. AN/SSQ-62F is a sixth-generation, Directional Command 
     Active Sonobuoy System (DICASS) sonobuoy used for detecting 
     and localizing submarines. The DICASS sonobuoy can provide 
     both range and bearing to the target for accurate position 
     fixing. Like the AN/SSQ-62E, the AN/SSQ-62F sonobuoy can 
     support any of the four acoustic frequencies as selected via 
     the Electronic Function Select.
       10. AN/SSQ-53G is a sonobuoy which combines a passive 
     directional and calibrated wide-band omni capability into a 
     single multi-functional sonobuoy. It features both Electronic 
     Function Select (EFS) for use prior to loading and launching 
     and Command Function Select (CFS) to allow the operator to 
     modify the sonobuoy's modes of operation after it has been 
     deployed in the water.
       11. AN/SSQ-36 is a sonobuoy which provides vertical 
     temperature profiles for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) 
     applications to evaluate local effects of seawater 
     temperature on sonar propagation and acoustic range 
     prediction.
       12. The Portable Pre-flight/Post-flight Equipment (P3E) is 
     used by the ground crew at the MQ-9B operating sites to 
     interface with the aircraft for performing maintenance 
     functions. The P3E is a ruggedized computer assembly that 
     interfaces directly

[[Page S359]]

     with the aircraft via a cable and provides functionality for 
     conducting pre and post-flight checks, and to establish the 
     aircraft on the SATCOM datalink for handover to the flight 
     crew in the Ground Control Station. The ADU-891 Adapter Group 
     Test Set provides the physical and electrical interface 
     between the Common Munitions Built-in-Test Reprogramming 
     Equipment (CMBRE) and the missile.
       13. Common Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT)/Reprogramming 
     Equipment (CMBRE) is support equipment used to interface with 
     weapon systems to initiate and-report BIT results and upload 
     and download flight software. CMBRE supports multiple 
     munitions platforms with a range of applications that perform 
     preflight checks, periodic maintenance checks, loading of 
     Operational Flight Program (OFP) data, loading of munitions 
     mission planning data, loading of Global Positioning System 
     (GPS) cryptographic keys, and declassification of munitions 
     memory.
       14. The KY-l00M is a cryptographic-modernized lightweight 
     terminal for secure voice and data communications. The KY-
     100M provides wideband and narrowband half-duplex 
     communication. Operating in tactical ground, marine, and 
     airborne applications, the KY-l00M enables secure 
     communication with a broad range of radio and satellite 
     equipment.
       15. The KI-133 is used with a MQ-9B unique radio 
     implementation, specifically using X Band. The KI-133 does 
     not operate with a modem and is not a radio, rather it is an 
     inline encryptor utilizing the KIV 700A for encryption and 
     decryption.
       16. The AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader is a handheld device 
     used for securely receiving, storing, and transferring data 
     between compatible cryptographic and communications 
     equipment.
       17. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder 
     provides maritime patrol and Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft 
     with the ability to track and identify AIS-equipped vessels 
     over a dedicated very high frequency (VHF) data link. AIS is 
     a key component of any maritime ISR network and offers 
     maritime authorities with the ability to better coordinate 
     air and sea search, rescue, surveillance, and interdiction 
     operations.
       18. The L3Harris ROVER 6Si and TNR2x transceivers provide 
     real-time, full-motion video (FMV) and other network data for 
     situational awareness, targeting, battle damage assessment, 
     surveillance, relay, convoy over-watch operations, and other 
     situations where eyes-on-target are required. It provides 
     expanded frequencies and additional processing resources from 
     previous ROVER versions, allowing increased levels of 
     collaboration and interoperability with numerous manned and 
     unmanned airborne platforms.
       19. The SAGE 750 Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM) 
     System is a UK-produced, digital electronic intelligence 
     (ELINT) sensor which analyzes the electromagnetic spectrum to 
     map the source of active emissions. Using highly accurate 
     Direction Finding (DF) antennas, SAGE builds target locations 
     and provides situational awareness, advance warning of 
     threats, and the ability to cue other sensors.
       20. The Selex SeaSpray is an Active Electronically Scanned 
     Array (AESA) surveillance radar suitable for a range of 
     capabilities from long-range search to small target 
     detection.
       21. HISAR-300 radar provides superior long range, real-
     time, high-resolution imaging and wide area search capability 
     for overland and maritime surveillance missions, day or night 
     and in all weather conditions.
       22. The SNC 4500 Auto Electronic Surveillance Measures 
     (ESM) System is a digital electronic intelligence (ELINT) 
     sensor which analyzes the electromagnetic spectrum to map the 
     source of active emissions. Using highly accurate Direction 
     Finding (DF) antennas, the SNC 4500 builds target locations 
     and provides situational awareness, advance warning of 
     threats, and the ability to cue other sensors.
       23. Due Regard Radar (DRR) is a collision avoidance air-to-
     air radar. DRR is a key component of GA-ASI's overall 
     airborne Detect and Avoid System (DAAS) architecture for the 
     MQ-9B. By tracking non-cooperative aircraft, DRR enables a 
     collision avoidance capability onboard the RPA and allows the 
     pilot to separate the aircraft from other air traffic in 
     cooperation with Air Traffic Control (ATC).
       24. The AN/DPX-7 is an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) 
     transponder used to identify and track aircraft, ships, and 
     some ground forces to reduce friendly fire incidents.
       25. The MR6000 ultra high frequency (UHF) and very high 
     frequency radio (VHF) is a multi-band, portable, two-way 
     communication radio.
       26. The C-Band Line-of-Sight (LOS) Ground Data Terminals 
     and Ku-Band SATCOM GA-ASI Transportable Earth Stations 
     (GATES) provide command, control, and data acquisition for 
     the MQ-9B.
       27. The Compact Multi-band Data Link (CMDL) is a 
     miniaturized, high-performance, wide-band data links 
     operating in Ku, C, L, or S-band, with both analog and 
     digital waveforms. It is interoperable with military and 
     commercial products including Tactical Common Data Link 
     (TCDL) terminals, the complete line of ROVER systems, and 
     coded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (COFDM) 
     receivers.
       28. The highest level of classification of defense 
     articles, components, and services included in this potential 
     sale is SECRET.
       29. 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.
       30. A determination has been made that India 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.
       31. All defense articles and services listed in this 
     transmittal have been authorized for release and export to 
     India.

                          ____________________