[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.
____________________