[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 209 (Thursday, October 29, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66515-66520]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-27505]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Office of the Secretary
[Transmittal No. 15-68]
36(b)(1) Arms Sales Notification
AGENCY: Department of Defense, Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Defense is publishing the unclassified text
of a section 36(b)(1) arms sales notification. This is published to
fulfill the requirements of section 155 of Public Law 104-164 dated
July 21, 1996.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah A. Ragan or Heather N. Harwell,
DSCA/LMO, (703) 604-1546/(703) 607-5339.
The following is a copy of a letter to the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Transmittal 15-68 with attached Policy Justification.
Dated: October 23, 2015.
Aaron Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
BILLING CODE 5001-06-P
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29OC15.015
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Transmittal No. 15-68
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: Saudi Arabia
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment *............................... $ 4.30 billion
Other................................................... $ 6.95 billion
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TOTAL................................................. $11.25 billion
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase: The Government of Saudi
Arabia has requested a comprehensive naval modernization program
referred to as the Saudi Naval Expansion Program II (SNEP-II). This
notification of the next phase of that program will include Multi-
Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) ships and program office support. The
MMSC will consist of the following Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
Four (4) MMSC ships (a derivative of the Freedom Variant of the
U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Class) that incorporate five (5)
COMBATSS-21 Combat Management Systems (four (4) installed, one (1)
spare) with five (5) TRS-4D Radars (four (4) installed, one (1) spare)
Five (5) Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) (Mode 4- and Mode 5-
capable)
[[Page 66517]]
UPX-29 (four (4) installed, one (1) spare)
Five (5) Compact Low Frequency Active Passive Variable Depth Sonar
(four (4) installed, one (1) spare)
Eight (8) MK-41 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) (two (2) eight-cell
assemblies per ship for 16 cells per hull)
Five-hundred thirty-two (532) tactical RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow
Missiles (ESSM) (one hundred twenty-eight (128) installed, twenty (20)
test and training rounds, three hundred eighty-four (384) spares)
Five (5) AN/SWG-l (V) Harpoon Ship Command Launch Control Systems
(four (4) installed (one (1) per ship), one (1) spare)
Eight (8) Harpoon Shipboard Launchers (two (2) installed four-tube
assemblies per ship)
Forty-eight (48) RGM-84 Harpoon Block II Missiles (thirty-two (32)
installed, sixteen (16) test and training rounds)
Five (5) MK-15 Mod 31 SeaRAM Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) (four
(4) installed, one (1) spare)
One-hundred eighty-eight (188) RIM 116C Block II Rolling Airframe
Missiles (RAM) (forty-four (44) installed, twelve (12) test and
training rounds, one hundred thirty-two (132) spares)
Five (5) MK-75 76mm OTO Melara Gun Systems (four (4) installed, one
(1) spare)
Forty-eight (48) 50-caliber machine guns (forty (40) installed (ten
(10) per ship), eight (8) spares); ordnance; and Selective Availability
Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) Global Positioning System/Precise
Positioning Service (GPS/PPS) navigation equipment
Also included in this sale in support of the MMSC are: study,
design and construction of operations; support and training facilities;
spare and repair parts; support and test equipment; communications
equipment employing Link 16 equipment; Fire Control System/Ceros 200
Sensor and Illuminator; 20mm Narwhal Gun; Nixie AN/SLQ-25A Surface Ship
Torpedo Defense System; MK-32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes; WBR-2000
Electronic Support Measure and Threat Warning System; Automatic Launch
of Expendables (ALEX) Chaff and Decoy-Launching System; ARC-210 Radios;
Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System (CENTRIXS);
Automated Digital Network System; publications and technical
documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S.
Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support
services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.
In addition, this case will provide overarching program office
support for the SNEP II to include: U.S. Government and contractor
engineering, technical and logistics support, and other related
elements of program support to meet necessities for program execution.
(iv) Military Department: Navy (SBV, GBZ)
(v) Prior Related Cases, if any: SBU--$1.9 billion--20 May 2015
(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: 19 Oct 2015
* as defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION
Government of Saudi Arabia--Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC)
Ships
The Government of Saudi Arabia has requested a naval modernization
program to include the sale of Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC)
ships and program office support. The Multi-Mission Surface Combatant
program will consist of:
Four (4) MMSC ships (a derivative of the Freedom Variant of the
U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Class) that incorporate five (5)
COMBATSS-21 Combat Management Systems (four (4) installed, one (1)
spare) with five (5) TRS-4D Radars (four (4) installed, one (1) spare)
Five (5) Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) (Mode 4- and Mode 5-
capable) UPX-29 (four (4) installed, one (1) spare)
Five (5) Compact Low Frequency Active Passive Variable Depth Sonar
(four (4) installed, one (1) spare)
Eight (8) MK-41 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) (two (2) eight-cell
assemblies per ship for 16 cells per hull)
Five-hundred thirty-two (532) tactical RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow
Missiles (ESSM) (one hundred twenty-eight (128) installed, twenty (20)
test and training rounds, three hundred eighty-four (384) spares)
Five (5) AN/SWG-l (V) Harpoon Ship Command Launch Control Systems
(four (4) installed (one (1) per ship), one (1) spare)
Eight (8) Harpoon Shipboard Launchers (two (2) installed four-tube
assemblies per ship)
Forty-eight (48) RGM-84 Harpoon Block II Missiles (thirty-two (32)
installed, sixteen (16) test and training rounds)
Five (5) MK-15 Mod 31 SeaRAM Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) (four
(4) installed, one (1) spare)
One-hundred eighty-eight (188) RIM 116C Block II Rolling Airframe
Missiles (RAM) (forty-four (44) installed, twelve (12) test and
training rounds, one hundred thirty-two (132) spares)
Five (5) MK-75 76mm OTO Melara Gun Systems (four (4) installed, one
(1) spare)
Forty-eight (48) 50-caliber machine guns (forty (40) installed (ten
(10) per ship), eight (8) spares); ordnance; and Selective Availability
Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) Global Positioning System/Precise
Positioning Service (GPS/PPS) navigation equipment
Also included in this sale in support of the MMSC are: study,
design and construction of operations; support and training facilities;
spare and repair parts; support and test equipment; communications
equipment employing Link 16 equipment; Fire Control System/Ceros 200
Sensor and Illuminator; 20mm Narwhal Gun; Nixie AN/SLQ-25A Surface Ship
Torpedo Defense System; MK-32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes; WBR-2000
Electronic Support Measure and Threat Warning System; Automatic Launch
of Expendables (ALEX) Chaff and Decoy-Launching System; ARC-210 Radios;
Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System (CENTRIXS);
Automated Digital Network System; publications and technical
documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S.
Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support
services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.
In addition, this case will provide overarching program office
support for the SNEP II to include: U.S. Government and contractor
engineering, technical and logistics support, and other related
elements of program support to meet necessities for program execution.
The estimated value of MDE is $4.3 billion. The total estimated cost is
$11.25 billion.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and
national security goals of the United States by helping to improve the
security of a strategic regional partner, which has been, and continues
to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress
in the Middle East. This acquisition will enhance the stability and
maritime security in the sea areas around the Arabian Peninsula and
support strategic objectives of the United States.
The proposed sale will provide Saudi Arabia with an increased
ability to meet current and future maritime threats from
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enemy weapon systems. The Multi-Mission Surface Combatant ships will
provide protection-in-depth for critical industrial infrastructure and
for the sea lines of communication. Saudi Arabia will use the enhanced
capability to keep pace with the rapid advances in technology and to
remain a viable U.S. coalition partner in the region.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the
basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor for the Multi-Mission Surface Combatant
will be Lockheed Martin Corporation of Bethesda, Maryland. There are no
known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of
additional U.S. Government and/or contractor representatives to Saudi
Arabia.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a
result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 15-68
Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section
36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended
Annex
Item No. vii
(vii) Sensitivity of Technology
1. The Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) Ship, a derivative of
the U.S. Navy Freedom Class Littoral Combat Ship, will provide Saudi
Arabia with an increased ability to identify, engage, and defeat
maritime security threats in the open waters of the Arabian Gulf and
the Red Sea. These vessels will deliver protection-in-depth for Saudi
Arabia industrial infrastructure and for the sea lines of
communication. The MMSC carries several sensors and data links to
enhance its ability to work in a network centric battle group. The
mission equipment subsystem consists of the following sensors and
subsystems: TRS-40 Radar, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
interrogator, Compact Low Frequency Active Passive Variable Depth
Sonar, and Electronic Support Measures (ESM). The MMSC processes sensor
data and transmits data via Link 16 equipment. The MMSC is capable of
carrying Harpoon Block II missiles and Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles, as
well as, Mk 46 or Mk 54 torpedoes to engage surface and sub-surface
targets. (Note that the MMSC will include provisions for both the Mk 46
and the Mk 54 light weight torpedoes but torpedoes are not included in
this sale.) The MMSC weapons system is classified up to SECRET. Unless
otherwise noted below, MMSC hardware and support equipment, test
equipment and maintenance spares are UNCLASSIFIED except when
electrical power is applied to hardware containing volatile data
storage. Technical data and documentation for MMSC weapons systems (to
include sub-systems and weapons listed below) are classified up to
SECRET. The sensitive technologies include:
a. COMBATSS-21 is the ship's battle management system, which is
produced by Lockheed Martin and derived from the U.S. Navy's latest
Aegis surface combatants. 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. COMBATSS-2l provides
a flexible, reliable next generation defense system classified to the
level of SECRET.
b. TRS 4D Radar is a three-dimensional, air volume surveillance
radar with fast target alert, which provides target designation to
combat management system for anti-air warfare (AAW) and anti-surface
warfare (ASuW). 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
Airbus Defense and Space. The TRS 4D radar system is UNCLASSIFIED and
does not contain classified data. However, when connected to COMBATSS-
21, the TRS 4D radar is classified SECRET.
c. Fire Control System/Ceros 200 Sensor and Illuminator supports
engagements with either main gun battery or semi-active surface-to-air
missile systems. The Ceros 200 Illuminator is a fully stabilized radar
and optronic tracking system, which when working in combination with a
missile and gun fire control system provides tracking and illumination
functions against advanced sea-skimming missiles and asymmetric surface
threats in littoral environments. When installed in a continuous wave
illumination configuration with the surface to air missile control
module, the system provides an X-band channel for continuous wave
illumination of a target to support guidance of the semi-active
surface-to-air missile. The Ceros 200 Illuminator can also be combined
with gun fire control and SAM modules to provide precision control for
any naval gun or a semi-active surface-to-air missile system. The CEROS
200 is available internationally through Saab. A separate gyro cam EO/
IR camera/laser illuminator can also provide additional, independent
situational awareness and cue an engagement to the fire control system.
When connected to COMBATSS-21, the fire control system/Ceros 200 Sensor
and Illuminator is classified SECRET.
d. SeaRAM Anti-Ship Missile Defense System engages multiple, high-
performance, air and surface threats, from subsonic to supersonic.
SeaRAM blends capabilities from the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System
(CIWS) and the RIM-l16C Block II Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Guided
Weapon System. An 11-missile RAM launcher assembly provides extended
range and high maneuverability missiles paired with the Phalanx Block
1B's high resolution search-and-track sensor systems and quick-response
capability. SeaRAM is an end-to-end track-to-engage system and contains
classified algorithms, up to a level of SECRET.
e. MK-4 l Vertical Launch System (VLS) is a multi-cell, vertical
missile launcher that accommodates multiple VLS capable missiles,
including the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM), Standard Missile 2
(SM-2), and Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) Lightweight
Hybrid Torpedo. This case only provides tactical VLS capability for
ESSM. Guidance data exchanged with COMBATSS-21 will be classified to
the level of SECRET.
f. Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) is a medium-range, semi-
active, homing missile that provides reliable ship self-defense
capability against agile, high-speed, low-altitude, anti-ship cruise
missiles, low velocity air threats, such as helicopters, and high-speed
maneuverable surface threats. ESSM's tracking performance and agile
kinematics result from S and X-band midcourse uplinks, high average
velocity and tail control. The MK 25 quad pack canister is used for MK-
41 VLS-equipped ships. ESSM is part of a 10-nation international
cooperative development program between the United States, North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) partner nations, and Australia and
is a kinematic upgrade to the RIM-7P Sea Sparrow Missile that leverages
U.S. guidance technology. This case will provide a VLS configuration
that supports only tactical ESSM employment. Guidance data exchanged
with COMBATSS-21
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will be classified to the level of SECRET.
g. The MK-75 76mm Super Rapid (SR) Gun Mount is a multi-mission,
rapid-fire naval gun for primary defense against air and surface
threats and for employment in naval fire support missions. The MK-75
76mm provides an accurate, sustained firing rate from 1 to 120 rounds
per minute, and is capable against subsonic, anti-ship missiles.
Optional add-ons provide capabilities to reduce the impact of gun radar
cross-section, improve gun accuracy, and facilitate automated gun feed
of multiple ammunition types on the fly. The system is available
internationally through OTO Melara. When the 76mm gun is connected to
the gun fire control system, which is in-tum connected to COMBATSS-21,
it is classified SECRET.
h. The 20mm Narwhal gun 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. When connected to COMBATSS-21 for cueing, the Narwhal
gun will be classified SECRET.
i. The Browning M2 50 caliber machine gun is an air-cooled, belt-
fed machine gun that fires from a closed bolt, operated on the short
recoil principle. The M2 is a secondary weapon for anti-boat defense on
large naval vessels (corvettes, frigates, destroyers, cruisers, etc.).
The M2 Heavy Barrel (HB), air-cooled ground gun has a cyclical rate of
450-575 rounds per minute with an effective stabilized range of 2000
yards (significantly shorter unstabilized). The Browning machinegun is
UNCLASSIFIED.
j. Harpoon Block II is based on the Harpoon, which is an all-
weather, over-the-horizon, sea skimming, anti-ship missile system.
Harpoon Block II (RGM-84L) improvements include the inertial
measurement unit from the Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) program
and software, computer, Global Positioning System (GPS)/inertial
navigation system and GPS antenna/receiver from SLAM Expanded Response
(SLAM-ER). Block II Harpoon has improved targeting capabilities, a
larger engagement envelope, and higher resistance to electronic
countermeasures, and consequently, provides a littoral, anti-ship
capability. Data exchanged with COMBATSS-21 will be classified to the
level of SECRET.
k. The Nixie AN/SLQ-25A Surface Ship Torpedo Defense System is a
torpedo countermeasures system that is a digitally controlled, modular
design, electro-acoustic soft kill countermeasure decoy system capable
of countering wake homing torpedoes, acoustic homing torpedoes, and
wire guided torpedoes. The SLQ-25A provides active/passive detection,
location, threat identification of torpedoes and other acoustic
targets. The SLQ-25's towed body, the decoy which diverts the threat
from the ship, connects to the management system using fiber optic
cable to control the signals emitted by the decoy. The data are
classified to the level of SECRET.
l. Compact Low Frequency Active Passive Variable Depth Sonar is a
key sensor technology for identifying conventional, diesel-powered
submarines operating in difficult sonar environments such as littoral
waters. The Compact Low Frequency Active Passive Variable Depth Sonar
offers a single winch to tow both the transmit tow body and the receive
array. The system has a transmit array providing 360-degree bearing,
omni-directional transmission and a receive array that instantly
resolves right/left ambiguity issues. When connected to COMBATSS-21
data up to the level of SECRET are exchanged.
m. MK-32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes (SVTT) handle the MK-46 and
Mk-54 torpedo subsurface warfare weapons on a variety of surface
combatants. It is an ASW-launching system that pneumatically launches
torpedoes over-the-side of the ship using weatherproof, triple-tube
sets that can be rotated or trained to face a target. Launching is
powered by compressed air in a rear flask and the torpedoes are fire-
and-forget weapons. The MK-46 Torpedo is a high-speed, deep-running,
acoustic-homing, anti-submarine weapon. SVTT launches torpedoes under
local control or remote control from an ASW fire control system. The
tubes are also capable of storing torpedoes for long periods, but this
is only practical with regular maintenance. When connected to COMBATSS-
21 data exchange is classified to the level of SECRET.
n. WBR-2000 is an electronic support measure and threat warning
system designed for smaller surface naval combatants and for coastal
surveillance. Radar signals, received by the antenna assembly through
an omni-directional antenna and an array of directional antennas, are
passed to the receiver/processor unit where frequency and angle of
arrival of each radar pulse are measured and digitized. The data then
passes to a signal processor that associates all pulses received from
an individual radar with each other, measures the pulse train
modulation characteristics, and forms a report characterizing the
radar. These reports are compared with an organic, stored library of
radar parameters to identify the type of radar and the platform
normally associated with the intercepted radar signal. The emitter is
reported parametrically whether or not it is in the library. A computer
workstation is used to store the reports and display the data to the
operator. The contents of the library are typically classified
CONFIDENTIAL or SECRET.
o. The Automatic Launch of Expendables (ALEX) is a chaff and decoy-
launching system. Off-board decoys provide the lowest risk and offer
the most cost effective method to aid in ship survival. It is a mortar-
tube launching system consisting of two or more launchers, each
containing six tubes arranged in two parallel rows of either all 45-
degree tubes, or a mixture of 45 and 60-degree tubes depending on the
specific launcher variant installed. RF, IR, RF-IR rounds and some
specialty decoys are capable of being launched from the ALEX system
depending on the particular threat. Decoys are launched from the bridge
launcher control in the pilothouse or master control panel located in
the mission control center. Launchers must be manually loaded/re-
loaded, when required, from ready service storage lockers located in
the vicinity of the launchers. When connected to WBR-2000 data up to
the level of SECRET is exchanged.
p. The ARC-210 is a family of radios for military aircraft that
provides two-way, multi-mode voice and data communications over a Very
High Frequency (VHF) I Ultra High Frequency (UHF) frequency range. ARC-
210 radios contain embedded sensitive encryption algorithms and keying
material. ARC-210 hardware is UNCLASSIFIED. When electrical power is
applied and mission data loaded, the ARC-210 is classified up to
SECRET.
q. Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System
(CENTRIXS) enables ship-to-ship operational dialogue, often encrypted,
between vessels of other nations in both text and web based formats.
r. Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 4 (5 Capable) is an
identification system designed for command and control. It enables
military and national
[[Page 66520]]
(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.
Data can be classified up to SECRET.
s. 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. Data can be classified up
to SECRET.
t. GPS/PPS/SAASM -Global Positioning System (GPS) provides a space-
based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) that has reliable
location and time information in all weather and at all times and
anywhere on or near the Earth when and where there is an unobstructed
line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. Selective Availability/
Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) (AN/PSN-11) is used by military GPS
receivers to allow decryption of precision GPS coordinates. The GPS
hardware is UNCLASSIFIED. When electrical power is applied, the system
is classified up to SECRET.
u. Automated Digital Network System furnishes autonomous, digital,
interoperable, joint and secure LAN/WAN management and control for RF
assets on demand aboard ships and at shore sites. It also ensures
worldwide communications connectivity, automates all communications
systems, and replaces several unique subnetworks with a single
integrated network hub.
v. Link 16 equipment is a military tactical data exchange network
used by the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
member nations allowed by the MIDS International Program Office. Its
specification is part of the family of tactical data links. With Link
16 equipment, military aircraft as well as ships and ground forces may
exchange their tactical picture in near-real time. Link 16 equipment
also supports the exchange of text messages, imagery data and provides
two channels of digital voice.
2. If a technologically advanced adversary were to obtain knowledge
of the specific hardware and software elements, the information could
be used to develop countermeasures which might reduce weapon system
effectiveness or be used in the development of a system with similar or
advanced capabilities.
3. A determination has been made that the recipient country 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.
4. All defense articles and services listed in this transmittal
have been authorized for release and export to Saudi Arabia.
[FR Doc. 2015-27505 Filed 10-28-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001-06-P