[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 218 (Tuesday, November 14, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52713-52717]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-24622]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Office of the Secretary

[Transmittal No. 17-54]


Arms Sales Notification

AGENCY: Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Department of Defense.

ACTION: Arms sales notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Defense is publishing the unclassified text 
of an arms sales notification.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pamela Young, (703) 697-9107, 
[email protected] or Kathy Valadez, (703) 697-9217, 
[email protected]; DSCA/DSA-RAN.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This 36(b)(1) arms sales notification is 
published to fulfill the requirements of section 155 of Public Law 104-
164 dated July 21, 1996. The following is a copy of a letter to the 
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Transmittal 17-54 with 
attached Policy Justification, Sensitivity of Technology, and Section 
620C(d) Certification.

    Dated: November 7, 2017.
Aaron Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
BILLING CODE 5001-06-P

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BILLING CODE 5001-06-C
Transmittal No. 17-54
Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section 
36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended
    (i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Greece
    (ii) Total Estimated Value:

Major Defense Equipment *................  $.918 billion
Other....................................  1.486 billion
                                          ------------------------------
  Total..................................  $2.404 billion
 

    (iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or 
Services under Consideration for Purchase: The Government of Greece has 
requested the possible sale of items and services to support the 
upgrade of up to one hundred twenty-three (123) F-16 aircraft to Block 
V configuration.
    Major Defense Equipment (MDE):


[[Page 52715]]


One hundred twenty-five (125) APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned 
Array (AESA) Radars (includes 2 spares)
One hundred twenty-three (123) Modular Mission Computers (MMCs)
One hundred twenty-three (123) LINK-16 Multifunctional Information 
Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) with TACAN 
and EHSI
One hundred twenty-three (123) LN260 Embedded Global Navigation Systems 
(EGI)-Inertial Navigation System (INS)
One hundred twenty-three (123) Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems 
(JHMCS)
One hundred twenty-three (123) Improved Programmable Display Generators 
(iPDGs)
    Non-MDE:
    Included in the possible sale are up to one hundred twenty-three 
(123) APX-126 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Combined 
Interrogator Transponder (CIT); one (1) Joint Mission Planning System 
(JMPS); one (1) F-16V Simulator; upgrade to two (2) existing 
simulators; one (1) Avionics Level Test Station; Secure Communications, 
cryptographic equipment and navigation equipment; upgrade and 
integration of the Advanced Self-Protection Integrated Suite (ASPIS) I 
to ASPIS II on twenty-six (26) F-16s; Ground Support System, systems 
integration and test; spares and repair parts, support and test 
equipment; personnel training and training equipment; publications and 
technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, 
logistical, and technical support services; and other related elements 
of logistics and program support.
    (iv) Military Department: Air Force (SNY Amendment 6)
    (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: GR-D-SBD, $1.3B, 7 Dec 1992; GR-D-
SNX, $2B, 9 Mar 2000; GR-D-SNY, $1.9B, 13 Dec 2005
    (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: October 16, 2017

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

POLICY JUSTIFICATION

Government of Greece--Upgrade of F-16 Aircraft to an F-16 Block V 
Configuration

    The Government of Greece has requested a possible purchase of an 
upgrade of its existing F-16 fleet to an F-16 Block V configuration 
which includes up to one hundred twenty-five (125) APG-83 Active 
Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radars (includes two (2) spares); 
one hundred twenty-three (123) Modular Mission Computers (MMCs); one 
hundred twenty-three (123) LINK-16 Multifunctional Information 
Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS-JTRS) with TACAN 
and EHSI; one hundred twenty-three (123) LN260 Embedded Global 
Navigation Systems (EGI)/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS); and one 
hundred twenty-three (123) Improved Programmable Display Generators 
(iPDGs). Also included in the proposed sale are up to one hundred 
twenty-three (123) APX-126 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) 
Combined Interrogator Transponders (CIT); one (1) Joint Mission 
Planning System (JMPS); one (1) F-16V Simulator; upgrade to two (2) 
existing simulators; one (1) Avionics Level Test Station; Secure 
Communications, cryptographic equipment and navigation equipment; 
upgrade and integration of the Advanced Self-Protection Integrated 
Suite (ASPIS) I to ASPIS II on twenty-six (26) F-16s; Ground Support 
System, systems integration and test; spares and repair parts, support 
and test equipment; personnel training and training equipment; 
publications and technical documentation; U.S. Government and 
contractor engineering, logistical, and technical support services; and 
other related elements of logistics and program support. The total 
estimated program cost is $2.404 billion.
    This proposed sale will contribute to U.S. foreign policy and 
national security objectives by helping to improve the security of a 
NATO ally which is an important partner for political stability and 
economic progress in Europe. The upgrade of F-16 aircraft to an F-16 
Block V configuration will bolster the Hellenic Air Force's ability to 
support NATO and remain interoperable with the U.S. and the NATO 
alliance. It will also help Greece sustain operations in the future, 
thereby reducing the threat the alliance's enemies pose to the U.S. and 
the alliance.
    The proposed sale will improve Greece's capability to meet current 
and future security threats. Greece will use this capability as a 
deterrent to regional threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and 
execute counter-terrorism operations.
    Greece currently employs a mix of F-16s in Block 30, Block 50, 
Block 52+, and Block 52+ Advanced configurations. Therefore, Greece 
will have no difficulty absorbing the upgrade of these aircraft from an 
operation and support standpoint.
    The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the 
basic military balance in the region.
    The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin of Fort Worth, TX. 
There are currently no known offsets. However, Greece typically 
requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations 
between Greece and the contractor.
    The proposed sale will require the assignment of approximately 3-5 
additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Greece.
    There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a 
result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 17-54
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 proposed sale for upgrade of Greece's F-16s to Block V will 
involve the release of sensitive and/or classified (up to SECRET) 
elements to Greece, including hardware, accessories, components, and 
associated software. The F-16 Block V aircraft system is UNCLASSIFIED, 
except as noted below. The aircraft utilizes the F-16 airframe and 
features advanced avionics and systems including the AN/APG-83 Active 
Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, Modular Mission Computers 
(MMCs); LINK-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint 
Tactical Radio System LINK-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution 
System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS); Advanced Self-
Protection Integrated Suite (ASPIS) II ship-sets; LN260 Embedded Global 
Navigation Systems (EGI)-Inertial Navigation System (INS); Joint Helmet 
Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS II); Improved Programmable Display 
Generators (iPDGs); APX-126 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe 
(AIFF) Combined Interrogator Transponder (CIT); and Joint Mission 
Planning System (JMPS).
    2. Additional sensitive areas include operating manuals and 
maintenance technical orders containing performance information, 
operating and test procedures, and other information related to support 
operations and repair. The hardware, software, and data identified are 
classified (up to SECRET) to protect vulnerabilities, design, and 
performance parameters and other similar critical information.

[[Page 52716]]

    3. The AN/APG-83 is an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) 
radar upgrade for the F-16. It includes higher processor power, higher 
transmission power, more sensitive receiver electronics, and Synthetic 
Aperture Radar (SAR), which creates higher-resolution ground maps from 
a greater distance than existing mechanically scanned array radars 
(e.g., APG-68). The upgrade features an increase in detection range of 
air targets, increases in processing speed and memory, as well as 
significant improvements in all modes. The highest classification of 
the radar is SECRET.
    4. The Modular Mission Computer (MMC) is the central aircraft 
computer of the F-16. It serves as the hub for all aircraft subsystems 
and avionics data transfer. The hardware and software are classified 
SECRET.
    5. The Multifunctional Informational Distribution System-Joint 
Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) is classified CONFIDENTIAL. The MIDS-
JTRS is a secure data and voice communication network using Link-16 
architecture. The system provides enhanced situational awareness, 
positive identification of participants within the network, secure 
fighter-to-fighter connectivity, secure voice capability, and ARN-118 
TACAN functionality. It provides three major functions: Air Control, 
Wide Area Surveillance, and Fighter-to-Fighter. The MIDS-JTRS can be 
used to transfer data in Air-to-Air, Air-to-Surface, and Air-to-Ground 
scenarios. The MIDS terminal hardware, publications, performance 
specifications, operational capability, parameters, vulnerabilities to 
countermeasures, and software documentation are classified 
CONFIDENTIAL. The classified information to be provided consists of 
that which is necessary for the operation, maintenance, and repair 
(through intermediate level) of the data link terminal, installed 
systems, and related software.
    6. The Advanced Self-Protection Integrated Suite II (ASPIS II) is 
an enhanced version of the original ASPIS I integrated Electronic 
Warfare (EW) system, which provides passive radar warning, wide 
spectrum Radio Frequency (RF) jamming, and control and management of 
the entire EW system. It is an externally mounted EW pod. The suite 
includes an ALQ-187 EW System, ALR-93 Radar Warning Receiver, and ALE-
47 Countermeasure Dispenser System. Greece has upgraded ASPIS I to II 
on all but a remaining twenty-six jets. The commercially developed 
system software and hardware are UNCLASSIFED. The system is classified 
SECRET when loaded with a U.S. derived EW database.
    7. The Embedded Global Positioning System (EGI)-Inertial Navigation 
System (INS)/LN-260 is a sensor that combines Global Positioning System 
(GPS) and inertial sensor inputs to provide accurate location 
information for navigation and targeting. The EGI-INS/LN-260 is 
UNCLASSIFIED. The GPS cryptovariable keys needed for highest GPS 
accuracy are classified up to SECRET.
    8. The Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) is a modified 
HGU-55/P helmet that incorporates a visor-projected Heads-Up Display 
(HUD) to cue weapons and aircraft sensors to air and ground targets. In 
close combat, a pilot must currently align the aircraft to shoot at a 
target. JHMCS allows the pilot to simply look at a target to shoot. 
This system projects visual targeting and aircraft performance 
information on the back of the helmet's visor, enabling the pilot to 
monitor this information without interrupting his field of view through 
the cockpit canopy. The system uses a magnetic transmitter unit fixed 
to the pilot's seat and a magnetic field probe mounted on the helmet to 
define helmet pointing positioning. A Helmet Vehicle Interface (HVI) 
interacts with the aircraft system bus to provide signal generation for 
the helmet display. This provides significant improvement for close 
combat targeting and engagement. Hardware is UNCLASSIFIED; technical 
data and documents are classified up to SECRET.
    9. The Improved Programmable Display Generator (iPDG) and color 
multifunction displays utilize ruggedized commercial liquid crystal 
display technology that is designed to withstand the harsh environment 
found in modern fighter cockpits. The display generator is the fifth 
generation graphics processor for the F-16. Through the use of state-
of-the-art microprocessors and graphics engines, it provides orders of 
magnitude increases in throughput, memory, and graphics capabilities. 
The hardware and software are UNCLASSIFIED.
    10. The AN/APX-126 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) 
Combined Interrogator Transponder (CIT) is a system capable of 
transmitting and interrogating Mode V. It is UNCLASSIFIED unless/until 
Mode IV and/or Mode V operational evaluator parameters are loaded into 
the equipment. Elements of the IFF system classified up to SECRET 
include software object code, operating characteristics, parameters, 
and technical data. Mode IV and Mode V anti-jam performance 
specifications/data, software source code, algorithms, and tempest 
plans or reports will not be offered, released, discussed, or 
demonstrated.
    11. The Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) is a multi-platform PC 
based mission planning system. JMPS hardware is UNCLASSIFIED and the 
software is classified up to SECRET.
    12. Software, hardware, and other data/information, which is 
classified or sensitive, is reviewed prior to release to protect system 
vulnerabilities, design data, and performance parameters. Some end-item 
hardware, software, and other data identified above are classified at 
the CONFIDENTIAL and SECRET level. Potential compromise of these 
systems is controlled through management of the basic software programs 
of highly sensitive systems and software-controlled weapon systems on a 
case-by-case basis.
    13. If a technologically advanced adversary obtains knowledge of 
the specific hardware and software source code in this proposed sale, 
the information could be used to develop countermeasures or equivalent 
systems that might reduce weapon system effectiveness or be used in the 
development of a system with similar or advanced capabilities.
    14. Greece is both willing and able to protect U.S. classified 
military information. Greek physical and document security standards 
are equivalent to U.S. standards. Greece has signed a General Security 
of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) with the United States and 
is in negotiations with CENTCOM on the Communications Interoperability 
and Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA). The Government of Greece 
has demonstrated its willingness and capability to protect sensitive 
military technology and information released to its military in the 
past.
    15. A determination has been made that the Greece can provide 
substantially the same degree of protection for the sensitive 
technology being released as the U.S. Government. This sale is 
necessary in furtherance of the U.S. foreign policy and national 
security objectives outlined in the Policy Justification.
    16. All defense articles and services listed in this transmittal 
are authorized for release and export to the Government of Greece.

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[FR Doc. 2017-24622 Filed 11-13-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 5001-06-P