(C) COUNTRY TEAM POSITION REGARDING RELEASE

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 002248 SIPDIS STATE FOR PM/RSAT, NEA/ARP, NEA/RA E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/14/2014 TAGS: MASS PREL SUBJECT: (C) COUNTRY TEAM POSITION REGARDING RELEASE AUTHORITY FOR KUWAIT TO PURCHASE 16 ATIRCMS FOR THE APACHE HELICOPTERS Classified By: Ambassador Richard J. Jones, reasons 1.4(a) and (d) ¶1. (C) Background. The Government of Kuwait (GOK) has requested release to purchase the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasure System (ATIRCMS) for its AH-64D Apaches. The first Apaches for Kuwait will be delivered in Sep 06. The ATIRCMS uses the AN/ALQ-212 Infrared (IR) Jammer and the Common Missile Warning System to provide both active and passive IR protection. The ATIRCMS is a sub-component of the Suite of Integrated Countermeasures (SIIRCM) currently undergoing testing. The ATIRCMS is an integrated infrared countermeasure warning system for rotary and fixed wing aircraft. The system provides situational awareness and self-protection from advanced IR-guided air-to-air missiles and surface-to-air missiles. The system also provides missile detection, declaration, automatic jamming and automatic decoy dispensing. The U.S. Army was projected to field its first ATIRCMS in 1QFY04. Instead of SIIRCM, the GOK is procuring the Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids System (HIDAS) build by BAE Systems (which also makes ATIRCMS) for its AH-64Ds without the jammer. For HIDAS to be effective, an IR jammer is needed, and the GOK wants the ATIRCMS with its AN/ALQ 212 Jammer. ¶2. (C) U.S. Embassy Kuwait supports the GOK's request for release authority to purchase ATIRCMS. The following information is submitted: a. The GOK procured the HIDAS System without the Nemesis Directional Infrared Countermeasure Self-Protection Suite (IR jammer). b. The GOK desires to use the ATIRCMS that the U.S. Army will install on its own AH-64s in the near future. c. Currently the GOK Apaches do not have an IR jamming system to defend against IR guided missiles. d. The GOK has proven to be a loyal and increasingly valuable friend and ally to the U.S. Government as evidenced by its recently being granted Major Non-NATO Ally status. e. With Kuwait procuring 16 Apaches, upgrading one hangar facility and building two others, its new facilities could be used by forces in future military operations. f. The GOK will be able to train and fight with the U.S. Army Apaches in the future if circumstances dictate this. Without a reliable IR jammer, its aircraft would be highly vulnerable and therefore a liability to U.S. helicopters fighting alongside them. g. Econ Section: There is no significant effect on Kuwait's economy from the purchase of ATIRCMS. The GOK can easily afford it. h. Commercial Section: The sale of the ATIRCMS will have no effect on trade relations between Kuwait and the U.S. i. Political Section: Denial of release authority for ATIRCMS would be perceived as an incomprehensible slap in the face to a Major Non-Nato Ally at a time when Kuwait is the indispensable partner for OIF. j. U.S. Embassy Kuwait strongly recommends approval of the requested release authority for Kuwait to purchase the ATIRCMS for its Apache helicopters. ¶3. (C) POC for this action is BG J. Mulholland, Chief, OMC Kuwait. JONES