POST SUPPORT FOR IRAQI PURCHASE OF ISR AIRCRAFT

S E C R E T BAGHDAD 002622 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/21/2016 TAGS: PINS PREL MOPS IZ SUBJECT: POST SUPPORT FOR IRAQI PURCHASE OF ISR AIRCRAFT Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission David M. Satterfield for Reasons 1.4 (a),(b),and (d). 1.(S) SUMMARY: This cable is to notify the Department that Post supports MNF-I's request to release to the Iraqi Government the U.S. technology detailed in para 4. USG must approve the release this U.S. technology for the GOI to carry out its planned Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procurement of Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (S) PROCUREMENT STATUS: The GOI is currently reviewing five proposals for ISR aircraft with the plan to select one within the next few weeks. While the origin of the platforms vary with each bid (Poland, US, Britain, Jordan and Italy), the ISR technology is largely of US-origin. Regardless of which bid they accept, the Iraqis will require technology release approval from the U.S. to procure the equipment. We understand once a bid is accepted, the Iraqis will pursue procurement through the FMS program and the appropriate DoD entities will review the bid and develop an Exception to National Disclosure Policy (ENDP) to pursue release of the appropriate ISR technology. ¶3. (S) RATIONAL FOR SUPPORTING RELEASE: While the Coalition Forces presently performs most ISR air missions, this is not the long term plan. The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), including the IAF, are increasingly taking the lead in defense of their country so the Coalition partners can draw down its forces. In order for a successful and sustainable transition, we need to ensure all services can independently own and operate appropriate equipment. Such equipment should include ISR aircraft which would allow the Iraqi armed forces to address critical security needs including lift/support, identifying border surveillance, and critical infrastructure protection. The IAF currently conducts reconnaissance missions with their Seeker aircraft but this equipment is only effective in the best of weather conditions. The ISR aircraft is far less weather sensitive and performs more functions. ¶4. (S) DESCRIPTION OF TECHNOLOGY FOR RELEASE: The following descriptions of components required are intentionally generic in order to allow maximum flexibility in the procurement of this type equipment. As mentioned previously we will follow with an ENDP for the actual specific equipment type. --Electro optical/Infra-red (EO/IR) Sensor: Space-stabilized EO and IR sensors (as low a micron level of stabilization as we can get through ENDP),minimum vibration; unobstructed field of view; capable of recognizing a man-sized target under all light-levels at slant ranges of five nautical miles (desired slant range is 10 nautical miles); EO/IR sensor suite capable of unobstructed search and track functions within 360 degrees under the aircraft while in level flight; laser rangefinder; laser illuminator; laser designator. --Radar: Synthetic Aperture Radar-SAR (as fine a resolution as we can get through ENDP); Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI - as slow a moving target detection capability as we can get through ENDP),capable of detecting a man-sized target while operating in or above instrument meteorological conditions IMC) at slant ranges of five nautical miles (desired slant range is 10 nautical miles); detection capability shall exist to penetrate cloud cover, dust and smoke. --Operator Station: Sensor suite shall be capable of sensor operator viewing in real-time with target coordinates displayed; station must provide for viewing of images in all light conditions; digital recorder for all sensor information; must also record automated time and position (target coordinates). --Communications Suite: Civil/ Military VHF Voice 118 - 174 MHz; Military UHF Voice 225 - 400 MHz; Civil UHF Voice 430 - 470 MHz (Iraqi Police operate in the 450-470MHz range); Civil HF with Automatic Link Establishment (ALE Capability) 1.5-30 MHz; cell-phone communication networks: Thuriya, Iraqna; capability to upgrade voice systems to accommodate secure voice communications. --Navigation Suite: Civil-code GPS, Transponder for ATC / IFF operations within civil and military air traffic control infrastructure. --Downlink / Ground Stations: Transmit real-time full-motion video, still-photo imagery, etc. as far as possible ( 120 NM or more); ground station must allow reception of above data; ground station must allow processing of digitally recorded mission data. --Self-Defense Suite: Possess self-defense capabilities including active missile defense warning and countermeasures; automatic detection of surface-to-air missile threats; automatic and manual defeat of surface-to-air missile threats; capable against at least the SA-7, SA-9, SA-14 and SA-16, akin to the AAR-47 / ALE-47 combo. --Weapon Systems: 1553 NATO standard databus (needs to be included now in order to support future weapons integration-see below); 2-4 hard points (airframe dependent); this feature is for the possibility of the future placement of weapons that will target time sensitive high value targets. Therefore it must have a "Group A" wiring to support the following type systems: Laser-guided 2.75 inch rockets / Hellfire, turret mounted cannon (20-30 mm) slaveable to the EO / IR sensor. ¶4. (S) RELEASE OF SENSITIVE TECHNOLOGY: Iraq has demonstrated the intent and ability to protect sensitive, classified military technology since working with United States and Coalition forces. An article 505 agreement signed July 24, 2004 by the GoI demonstrates their agreement to protect grant defense articles and technology similarly to our standards. We will continue to mentor the Iraqi Government on the need to protect all sensitive USG technology in order to provide long term cooperation with the IAF. We also will ensure we obtain all necessary formal agreements with the GoI before transferring any sensitive equipment or technology. Lastly, we will continue to carry out a robust end use monitoring program. ¶5. (S) ANTICIPATED REACTION FROM NEIGHBORING NATIONS: Release of the ISR-related technology would not adversely affect the regional balance of power nor should it cause negative reactions from neighboring nations as these systems are defensive in nature. ¶6. (S) IRAQ'S POLITICAL IMPORTANCE TO THE REGION: A primary USG foreign policy objective is a stable, democratically elected Iraqi government capable of protecting its people and sovereignty and remaining at peace with its neighbors. Full release and employment of ISR-associated technology will facilitate progress toward reaching this goal by advancing the Iraqi armed forces ability to defend its borders and critical infrastructure as well target illicit activity. ¶7. (S) SOURCE OF FINANCING AND ECONOMIC IMPACT: USG approval to fully release this technology is not envisioned to have an adverse impact on either Iraqi or USG funding. The funding for this aircraft will come from identified national funds in the CY 2006 MoD Budget. ¶8. (S) RELEVANT HUMAN RIGHTS CONSIDERATIONS: There are no human rights considerations that should preclude the release of this defense equipment to the Iraqi military. KHALILZAD