ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPON RELEASE TO IRAQ

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 001731 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MOPS MCAP PGOV PTER MARR PINS PNAT IZ SUBJECT: ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPON RELEASE TO IRAQ ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see para 10. ¶2. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Country Team requests the release of AN/PVS-7 (Gen 3, 1250 FOM) Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) and AN/PEQ-2 Target Pointer Illuminating Aiming Lights (TIAPL) to the Government of Iraq. The system will be used by the Ministry of Interior's Emergency Response Unit to advance nighttime operational effectiveness while reducing collateral damage risk. The ERU currently uses the AT Viper NVG a commercial, off the shelf system that is not designed for driving or conducting tactical security. The USG will fund this estimated $800,000 acquisition through a Foreign Military Sales case. END SUMMARY. Description of Technology for Release -------------- ¶3. (SBU) AN/PVS-7 (Gen 3, 1250 FOM) Night Vision Goggles and AN/PEQ-2 Target Pointer Illuminating Aiming Lights (TIAPL) provide high quality image clarity for nighttime operations. They allow the wearer to select and clearly identify the enemy and reduces the possibility of collateral damage. Rationale for Technology Release -------------- ¶4. (SBU) The Iraqi Ministry of Interior's Emergency Response Unit, comprised of 774 forces, is in urgent need of a viable night vision capability that will allow them to operate at night without dependence on U.S. advisors and equipment. Release of AN-PVS-7 Night Vision Goggles and AN/PEQ-2 Aiming Lights will greatly enhance their ability to conduct counter-terrorism missions, improve interoperability with Coalition forces, and improve their ability to maintain their own defense and security. Fielding a modern capable NVG that improves night vision capability will also allow the Coalition advisors to transition the ERU to independent operations. Iraq Safeguarding Sensitive Technology -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Iraq has demonstrated the intent and ability to protect sensitive, classified military technology since working with U.S. and Coalition forces. An Article 505 agreement (signed by the GOI July 24, 2004) demonstrates Iraq's commitment to protect grant defense articles and technology similar to our standards. Additionally, a Memorandum of Agreement for Compliance for the Storage, Security and Inventory of Night Vision Devices was signed by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, 22 November 2006. We will continue to mentor the GOI on their protection of sensitive USG technology in order to provide long-term cooperation with Iraq. We also will 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 (EUM) through the GOLDEN SENTRY program. Anticipated Reaction from Neighboring Nations -------------- ¶6. (SBU) We do not anticipate the release of AN/PVS-7 (Gen 3, 1250 FOM) Night Vision Goggles and AN/PEQ-2 Target Pointer Illuminating Aiming Lights (TIAPL) to the Government of Iraq to adversely affect the regional balance of power or cause negative reactions from neighboring nations, as this system is already fielded in many countries of the region. Iraq's Political Importance to the Region -------------- ¶7. (SBU) A stable, democratically-elected Iraqi government, capable of protecting its people and sovereignty, and remaining at peace with its neighbors is one of the USG's highest priorities. The release and employment of AN/PVS-7 (Gen 3, 1250 FOM) Night Vision Goggles and AN/PEQ-2 Target Pointer Illuminating Aiming Lights (TIAPL) will facilitate progress toward this goal, advancing the Iraqi security forces' ability to identify, target and carry out night operations against anti-Iraqi forces while reducing the risk to self and others. Source of Financing and Economic Impact -------------- ¶8. (SBU) This purchase will be financed by the USG using Iraqi Security Forces Funds. The cost is estimated at $800,000. There is no significant economic impact anticipated BAGHDAD 00001731 002 OF 002 to be generated by this sale. Relevant Human Rights Considerations -------------- ¶9. (SBU) There are no human rights considerations that should preclude the release of the defense equipment to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior. Action Request -------------- ¶10. (SBU) We request Washington approval for the release of the AN/PVS-7 (Gen 3, 1250 FOM) Night Vision Goggles and AN/PEQ-2 Target Pointer Illuminating Aiming Lights (TIAPL) to the Government of Iraq. CROCKER