[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 62 (Friday, March 31, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19274-19278]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-06742]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Office of the Secretary

[Transmittal No. 21-64]


Arms Sales Notification

AGENCY: Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Department of Defense 
(DoD).

ACTION: Arms sales notice.

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil Hedlund at 
[email protected] or (703) 697-9214.

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 21-64 with 
attached Policy Justification and Sensitivity of Technology.

    Dated: March 27, 2023.
Aaron T. Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
BILLING CODE 5001-06-P

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN31MR23.030

BILLING CODE 5001-06-C
Transmittal No. 21-64
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 *................  $1.5 billion
Other....................................  $1.0 billion
                                          ------------------------------
    TOTAL................................  $2.5 billion
 

    Funding Source: National Funds.
    (iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or 
Services under Consideration for Purchase: The Government of Greece has 
requested to buy equipment and services to repair, update, and enhance 
their four (4) existing Hellenic Navy (HN) MEKO Class frigates. These 
upgrades will include the following:

Major Defense Equipment (MDE):

    Eight (8) Close in Weapon Systems (CIWS) Phalanx BLK 1B Baseline 2 
Upgrade Kits
    Four (4) MK 45, 5'' 54 Caliber Gun Overhauls

[[Page 19276]]

    Four (4) MK 49 Guided Missile Launcher Systems
    Four (4) COMBATSS-21 Combat Management Systems
    Four (4) AN/SQS-56 Sonar Overhauls

Non-MDE:
    Also included is the repair and/or upgrade of existing systems; 
ordnance; testing; training; systems integration; follow-on technical 
support; acquisition, upgrades, and overhaul of Narwhal 20A Gun System; 
Sylena MK 2 Decoy Launching System with CANTO torpedo countermeasure; 
Radar/Fire Control TRS-4D; Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5; 
NIXIE SLQ-25 Surface Ship Torpedo Defense System; Helicopter Handling 
System (Repairs); Defense Advance GPS Receiver (DAGR); Gun Computer 
System (GCS); Low Frequency Active Towed Sonar (LFATS); Compact Low 
Frequency Active Passive Variable Depth Sonar-2 (CAPTAS-2); Infrared 
Search & Track System (IRST); Elta Electronic Warfare (EW), with C-ESM, 
R-ESM, and ECM capability; Naval Laser-Warning System (NLWS); 7 meter 
Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB); SQQ-89 ASW System; Fire Control 
Radar System; Improved Point Detection System-Lifecycle Replacement 
(IPDS-LR); Enhanced Maritime Biological Detection (EMBD), as well as 
significant Hull, Mechanical and Electrical upgrades, replacements, and 
repairs; support and test equipment; spare and repair parts; 
communications equipment, including Link 16 communications equipment; 
Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation System (BICES); AN/
SRQ-4 Tactical Common Datalink (TCDL); Global Command and Control 
System-Joint (GCCS-J); Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI); 
cryptographic equipment including SY-150, SY-117G, and KYV-5M; software 
delivery and support; publications and technical documentation; 
personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and 
contractor engineering, systems integration, technical, and logistics 
support services; test and trials support; studies and surveys; and 
other related elements of logistical and program support.

    (iv) Military Department: Navy (GR-P-LJO)
    (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: None
    (vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Offered, or Agreed to be 
Paid: None known
    (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 10, 2021
    *As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control Act.

POLICY JUSTIFICATION

Greece--MEKO Class Frigate Modernization

    The Government of Greece has requested to buy equipment and 
services to repair, update, and enhance their four (4) existing 
Hellenic Navy (HN) MEKO Class frigates. These upgrades will include the 
following: eight (8) Close in Weapon Systems (CIWS) Phalanx BLK 1B 
Baseline 2 upgrade kits; four (4) MK 45, 5'' 54 caliber gun overhauls; 
four (4) MK 49 Guided Missile Launcher Systems; four (4) COMBATSS-21 
Combat Management Systems; and, four (4) AN/SQS-56 Sonar overhauls. 
Also included is the repair and/or upgrade of existing systems; 
ordnance; testing; training; systems integration; follow-on technical 
support; acquisition, upgrades, and overhaul of Narwhal 20A Gun System; 
Sylena MK 2 Decoy Launching System with CANTO torpedo countermeasure; 
Radar/Fire Control TRS-4D; Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5; 
NIXIE SLQ-25 Surface Ship Torpedo Defense System; Helicopter Handling 
System (Repairs); Defense Advance GPS Receiver (DAGR); Gun Computer 
System (GCS); Low Frequency Active Towed Sonar (LFATS); Compact Low 
Frequency Active Passive Variable Depth Sonar-2 (CAPTAS-2); Infrared 
Search & Track System (IRST); Elta Electronic Warfare (EW), with C-ESM, 
R-ESM, and ECM capability; Naval Laser-Warning System (NLWS); 7 meter 
Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB); SQQ-89 ASW System; Fire Control 
Radar System; Improved Point Detection System-Lifecycle Replacement 
(IPDS-LR); Enhanced Maritime Biological Detection (EMBD), as well as 
significant Hull, Mechanical and Electrical upgrades, replacements, and 
repairs; support and test equipment; spare and repair parts; 
communications equipment, including Link 16 communications equipment; 
Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation System (BICES); AN/
SRQ-4 Tactical Common Datalink (TCDL); Global Command and Control 
System-Joint (GCCS-J); Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI); 
cryptographic equipment including SY-150, SY-117G, and KYV-5M; software 
delivery and support; publications and technical documentation; 
personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and 
contractor engineering, systems integration, technical, and logistics 
support services; test and trials support; studies and surveys; and 
other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated 
total cost is $2.5 billion.
    This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national 
security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the 
security of a NATO ally, which is an important partner for political 
stability and economic progress in Europe.
    The proposed sale will improve Greece's capability to meet current 
and future threats by providing an effective combatant deterrent 
capability to protect maritime interests and infrastructure in support 
of its strategic location on NATO's southern flank. This acquisition, 
which will be awarded to the winner of an international competition for 
the Hellenic Navy (HN) MEKO Class Frigate Upgrade, will enhance 
stability and maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean region and 
contribute to security and strategic objectives of NATO and the United 
States. Greece contributes to NATO operations in Kosovo, as well as to 
counterterrorism and counter-piracy maritime efforts. Greece 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 contractors will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense, 
Waltham, MA; Lockheed Martin, Bethesda, MD; BAE Systems, Arlington, VA; 
and VSE Corporation, Alexandria, VA. There are no known offset 
agreements in connection with this potential sale.
    Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of 
3 additional U.S. Government and (5) contractor representatives, Full-
Time Equivalent (FTE) positions to Greece.
    There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a 
result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 21-64
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:

[[Page 19277]]

    1. The MEKO Class Frigate Modernization (Upgrades) will provide 
Greece with an increased ability to identify, engage, and defeat 
maritime security threats in open waters of the Mediterranean and 
Aegean Seas (NATO's Southern Flank). These enhancements will deliver 
protection-in-depth for Greece's industrial infrastructure and sea 
lines of communication.
    a. Close in Weapon Systems (CIWS) MK 15 Phalanx BLK 1B Baseline 2 
Upgrade Kits is a close-in weapon system for defense against incoming 
threats such as small boats, surface torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and 
helicopters. It was designed and manufactured by the General Dynamics 
Corporation, Pomona Division later a part of Raytheon. The upgraded MK 
15 Phalanx 1B Baseline 2 improves detection performance, increases 
reliability, and reduces maintenance. It also has a surface mode to 
track, detect, and destroy threats closer to the water's surface, 
increasing the ability to defend against fast-attack boats and low-
flying missiles.
    b. MK 45, 5'' 54 Caliber Gun overhaul by performing a Standard 
Pier-Side Maintenance & Repair (SPMR) of the MK 45 Gun Systems. The MK 
45 Gun is a fully-automatic naval gun mount employed against surface 
(Anti-Surface Warfare--ASuW), air (Anti-Air Warfare--AAW), and land 
attack (Naval Surface Fire Support--NSFS) targets.
    c. MK 49 Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS) is used to deploy 
the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM).
    d. COMBATSS-21 is the ship's battle management system, which is 
produced by Lockheed Martin and derived from the USN's latest AEGIS 
combat management system. 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.
    e. Upgrading the existing AN/SQS-56 Sonar is accomplished by 
replacement of defective transducers and staves and upgrading the 
electronics in the Hull Mounted Sonar as well as the SQS-56 adjunct 
processor. The AN/SQS-56 is a modern hull-mounted sonar. The sonar is 
an active/passive, preformed beam, digital sonar providing panoramic 
echo ranging and panoramic (DIMUS) passive surveillance. A single 
operator can search, track, classify and designate multiple targets 
from the active system while simultaneously maintaining anti-torpedo 
surveillance on the passive display.
    f. The 20mm Narwhal gun system 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.
    g. Sylena MK 2 Decoy Launching System with CANTO is a torpedo 
countermeasure. The Sylena MK 2 launches the CANTO decoy, which 
generates a high-level, 360-degree acoustic signal to jam the full 
frequency range of an attacking torpedo. Sylena MK 2 is available 
internationally from Lacroix; CANTO from Naval Group.
    h. TRS-4D radar is a three-dimensional, air volume surveillance 
radar with fast target alert, which provides target designation to the 
combat management system for anti-air warfare (AAW) and anti-surface 
warfare (ASuW). The TRS-4D radar is manufactured by Hensoldt a German 
company. 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 
Hensoldt.
    i. Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5 is an identification 
system designed for command and control. It enables military and 
national (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.
    j. AN/ARC-210 GEN 6 (RT-2036(C)) version is a radio that provides 
two-way, multi-mode voice and data communications with military 
aircraft over Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) 
range using U.S. Type 1 encryption. ARC-210 radios contain embedded 
sensitive encryption algorithms, keying material and integrated 
waveforms.
    k. SY-117G is a combat manpack radio with Type 1 encryption for 
secure voice communication. In the HN MEKO Upgrade configuration, the 
radio will be used for interoperable, secure Satellite Communications 
(SATCOM). The SY-117G COMSEC device is a Controlled Cryptographic Item 
(CCI).
    l. SY-150 is a combat manpack radio with Type 1 encryption. The SY-
150 COMSEC device is a CCI.
    m. KYV-5M supports tactical secure voice communications. The KYV-5M 
COMSEC device is a CCI.
    n. The Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation System 
(BICES) is a web-enabled, multi-national intelligence system that 
provides near real-time, correlated, situation and order of battle 
information.
    o. 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. For the HN MEKO Upgrade 
configuration, GCCS-J will use Type 1 encryption.
    p. Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI) is a tactical command and 
control system that integrates land, air and sea domains to report 
real-time sensor information across the battlespace.
    q. The NIXIE SLQ-25 Surface Ship Torpedo Defense System is a 
digitally controlled, electro-acoustic, soft kill countermeasure decoy 
system capable of countering wake homing torpedoes, acoustic homing 
torpedoes, and wire guided torpedoes. NIXIE provides active/passive 
detection, location, threat identification of torpedoes and other 
acoustic targets. NIXIE's towed body, the decoy which diverts the 
threat from the ship, connects to the management system using a fiber 
optic cable to control the signals emitted by the decoy.
    r. Defense Advance GPS Receiver (DAGR) provides secure, military 
Selective Availability/Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM)-based GPS in the 
most reliable and proven handheld form available today. It is a 
military-grade, dual-frequency receiver, and has the security hardware 
necessary to decode encrypted P(Y)-code GPS signals. Features include: 
graphical screen, with the ability to overlay map images, 12-channel 
continuous satellite tracking for ``all-in-view'' operation, 
simultaneous L1/L2 dual frequency GPS signal reception, extended 
performance in a diverse jamming environment, and SAASM compatibility.
    s. The Gun Computer System (GCS) directs the actions of the ship's 
main gun battery and receives orders for

[[Page 19278]]

engagement and firing authorization from the Combat Management System. 
The GCS takes target data from ship sensors for air and surface 
targets, or operator-entered data for targets ashore, and calculates 
ballistic solutions and outputs gun positioning orders, ammunition 
loading and firing orders for the mount.
    t. Low Frequency Active Towed Sonar (LFATS) is a low frequency, 
variable depth sonar used to detect, track and engage submarines. LFATS 
incorporates active and passive processing with 360-degree coverage. 
The VDS-100 system is designed for high performance at a lower 
operating frequency for improved performance.
    u. Compact Low Frequency Active Passive Variable Depth Sonar-2 
(CAPTAS-2) is a key sensor technology for identifying conventional, 
diesel-powered submarines operating in difficult sonar environments, 
such as littoral waters. CAPTAS-2 employs a single winch, which is used 
to pull the transmit tow body, and receiver array.
    v. Infrared Search and Track (IRST) is a 360-degree, panoramic, day 
and night, passive air and surface surveillance system. The IRST system 
provides long-range detection with tracking of conventional, asymmetric 
and emerging threats.
    w. Elta Electronic Warfare (EW) suite provides Radar Electronic 
Support Measures (RESM), Communications Electronics Support Measures 
(CESM), and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) with counter-Unmanned 
Aerial System capability. Elta EW to include C-ESM, R-ESM, and ECM 
capability. The Elta EW suite is available internationally through ELTA 
Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries.
    x. Naval Laser-Warning System (NLWS) provides real time situational 
awareness of laser-based threats to enhance the tactical picture. NLWS 
interfaces with the ship's CMS, electronic support measures and onboard 
countermeasure system. NLWS is available internationally from SAAB.
    y. SRQ-4 provides the Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL) to serve 
COMBATSS-21 for command and control (C2) functions for radar, FLIR and 
ESM data. Also, as the TCDL terminal on the ship, the AN/SRQ-4 
exchanges classified SECRET level acoustic data with the AN/SQQ-89 for 
real-time shipboard processing of MH-60R deployed sonobuoys, increased 
sonobuoy processing, updated sonobuoy control and increased ASW tracks. 
The AN/SQQ-89 accepts MH-60R ASW data and processes the data shipboard 
as a coordinated tactical ASW picture with the Variable Depth Sonar. 
ASW Operators, at AN/SQQ-89 consoles, analyze the classified SECRET 
level data and integrate with COMBATSS-21 to provide full 
implementation and access to the capabilities of the MH-60R. The MH-60R 
Multi-Mission Helicopters, procured by the Hellenic Navy under a 
separate FMS case, introduces dipping sonar, upgraded radar, electronic 
warfare, weapons including MK 54 torpedoes and external command and 
control systems. With the MH-60R comes the need for a Ku-Band Common 
Data Link via a shipboard AN/SRQ-4 Radio Terminal System to support the 
high data rate requirements associated with aircraft systems.
    z. The AN/SQQ-89 Undersea Warfare Combat System is a naval anti-
submarine warfare (ASW) system for surface warships. The system 
presents an integrated picture of the tactical situation by receiving, 
combining and processing active and passive sensor data from the hull-
mounted array, towed array and sonobuoys. The AN/SQQ-89 will interface 
with the SQS-56 sonar, VDS, SQR-4 and COMBATSS-21. It provides a full 
range of undersea warfare (USW) functions including active and passive 
sensors, underwater fire control, onboard trainer and a highly evolved 
display subsystem.
    aa. The Fire Control Radar System is a medium-to-long range radar 
that interfaces with the Gun Control System (GCS) and COMBATSS-21.
    bb. Improved Point Detection System-Lifecycle Replacement (IPDS-LR) 
is a ship-based Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA) detector designed for 
chemical detection of chemical warfare agent vapors onboard navy ships. 
The detector units have special interference rejection built into the 
detection algorithm and meets specifications for false alarm thresholds 
with sensitivity requirements. The sampling system includes specially 
designed sampling lines, filters, and bulkhead adapters to operate in 
marine environments.
    cc. Enhanced Maritime Biological Detection (EMBD) is an automated 
biological point detection and identification system that provides near 
real time biological detection, warning, and presumptive identification 
against Biological Warfare Agents (BWAs). EMBD will provide an early 
indication that a BWA attack has occurred and provide identification 
information allowing ship commanding officers to select from an array 
of countermeasures that can prevent or limit exposure to the ship and 
other ships in the naval task force.
    dd. Link 16 is an advanced 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. It provides the warfighter key theater functions such as 
surveillance, identification, air control, weapons engagement 
coordination, and direction for all services and allied forces. With 
modernized cryptography, Link 16 will ensure interoperability into the 
future.
    2. The overall highest level of classification of defense articles, 
components, and services included in this potential sale is SECRET.
    3. 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.
    4. A determination has been made that 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.
    5. All defense articles and services listed in this transmittal 
have been authorized for release and export to the Government of 
Greece.

[FR Doc. 2023-06742 Filed 3-30-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001-06-P