(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