Government of Lithuania request Requests for

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 VILNIUS 000429

SIPDIS


STATE FOR EUR/NB, EUR/RPM, AND PM

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MASS MARR PREL LH
SUBJECT: Government of Lithuania request Requests for
Generation III Night Vision Devices (NVD) - Country Team
Assessment

REF: Vilnius 253 and previous


1. Summary: The GOL recently provided us with a formal
request requested that the USG provide Generation III Night
Vision Devices (NVDs) for their its troops deploying in
support of a Provincial Reconstruction Tteam in Afghanistan
and SOF troops preparing to support NATO NATO Reaction
Forces -5 and -6 missions. The GOL plans to purchase the
NVDs with FMF grant funds. As indicated previously
(reftel),we Post strongly supports Lithuania's request for
NVDs. End Summary.

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A Staunch, Active Ally
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2. Lithuania fully supports U.S. policies in the Global War
on Terrorism and staunchly supports Operation Enduring
Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Most recently,
Lithuania volunteered to lead a NATO Provincial
Reconstruction Team in a particularly challenging corner of
western Afghanistan, demonstratingreaffirming that its deep
commitment to NATO less than a year after accession to the
alliance. The Lithuanian Parliament, in September 2004,
approved a bill extending its military's participation in
Central and South Asia, the Persian Gulf, and the Balkans.
Lithuanian Special Operations Forces maintained a nearly
continuous presence in Afghanistan from November 2002 to
December 2004 and committed to return in 2006. They also
recently committed to participate in NATO Reaction Forces -5
and -6. Lithuanians have also served in Kuwait and Iraq
since April 2003, and over 100 Lithuanians are currently in
Iraq. Since 1994, over 1,300 Lithuanians have participated
in Ppeacekeeping operations in the Balkans. Over 100
Lithuanian troops serve there now. Lithuania continues to
transform its military from a territorial, defense- oriented
army to an expeditionary style force. Lithuania is
committed to having a fully deployable battalion combat team
with organic air defense assets ready to support NATO
operations by 2006.


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GOL Request for Night Vision Devices (NVDs)
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3. The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense presented Letters of
Request (LORs) to the Office of Defense Cooperation for
three different types of NVDs, to includinge Generation III
Night Vision Devices., (Aall models requested are listed
below.) These LORs were forwarded to the Defense Security
Cooperation Agency on 19 April 2005. The requested NVDs are
required to support Lithuanian troops deploying to
Afghanistan to establish a Lithuanian-led Provincial
Reconstruction Team (PRT),and Special Forces that will
support NATO Reaction Forces -5 and -6 as well as planned
follow-on missions in the GWOT. The specific types NVDs
requested:

- 10 each, H6V Non-standard Night Vision and Imaging
Equipment;

- 22 each, BIM 35 Night Pocketscope; and


- 50 each, AN/PVS -14 Monocular NVD

The intended end users of these NVDs is are the members of
the Lithuania's Provincial Reconstruction Team in
Afghanistan and the Lithuanian Special Forces unit. The
Ministry of Defense requests a total-package approach to
include training, logistics, spares, support equipment and
maintenance. Lithuania's MOD requests a waiver of any
associated non-recurring costs.

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COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT
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34. Post provides the following information pursuant to
DSCA request for Country Team assessment.


A. THE REASON THE NATION DESIRES THE ARTICLES OR
SERVICES:

--The procurement of these NVDs will greatly enhance the
capabilities of Lithuanian armed forces scheduled to deploy
in support of the Lithuanian- led Provincial Reconstruction
Team and NATO Reaction Force -5, and the US-led NATO
Reaction Force-6. These NVDs will also directly contribute
to the Lithuanian Armed Forces' capability to safely operate
with along side its U.S. forces in the GWOT and NATO allies
in future operations. Not only will tThe NVDs will increase
interoperability within NATO and but also enhance the
training and readiness level of Lithuanian combat forces.
Acquisition of NVDs will further is an integrated part of
Lithuania's military transformation goal of creating Special
Forces and conventional units that are fully deployable,
sustainable, and interoperable with NATO.


B. The anticipated reaction of neighboring nations.

--Post does not foresee an adverse aeffect on or
reaction by neighboring nations.


C. The ability of the purchaser to operate, maintain,
and support the articles. Training required either in-
country or in the US and the possible impact of any in-
country US presence that might be required as a result of
providing the article.

--Considering the total- package approach, which has
been requested, training will be included and should not
involve more than 2-3 persons in country more than 10 days.
US personnel regularly conduct training events in Lithuania.


D. The source of financing and the economic impact of
the proposed acquisition.

--There is no negative economic impact. Articles will
be purchased with a fForeign mMilitary fFinancing grant.


E. Relevant human rights considerations that might
bear on the proposed acquisition:

--There are no human rights considerations that bear on
this acquisition.


F. Whether the US government should approve the
transfer of the article and reasons therefore.

--Post strongly recommends approval of Lithuania's
request for the procurement of the NVDs. These articles
will enhance the combat effectiveness of troops deploying to
support a Provincial Reconstruction team and preparing for
NRF-5 and NRF-6. These devices will directly contribute to
the training and readiness level of the armed forces and its
interoperability with NATO forces. Agreeing to this request
will also reinforce the strong bilateral relationship
between our nations and strengthen Lithuanian resolve to
support OEF, OIF, the PRT, and Balkan Peace Support
Operations.

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Flawless Security and Accountability
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5. Lithuania has clearly demonstrated, through six separate
End Use Monitoring (EUM) inspections, that it they maintains
the required security level and accountability procedures
for NVDs. Lithuanian currently has 24 Generation III NVDs
purchased with FMF funds in December 2003. These NVDs were
already inventoried by the Chief of the Office of Defense
CooperationThe Chief of the Office of Defense Cooperation
already inventoried these NVDs four times, to includinge an
on-site inventory in Afghanistan. Additionally, Lithuanian
received Javelin Command End Use Monitoring Launch Units in
July 2004 which2004 that are subject to the same EUM
requirements. These 18 units were inventoried twice since
delivery, and there were no deficiencies in security and
accountability procedures. Lithuania has a flawless track
record for NVD security and accountability.


6. This is a fully coordinated country team assessment.


7. POC is LTC McDonough, Chief, Office of Defense
Cooperation, jmcdonough@san.osd.mil, 370-5-266-5641