ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPON RELEASE TO IRAQ

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 001741 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MOPS MCAP PGOV PTER MARR PINS PNAT IZ SUBJECT: ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPON RELEASE TO IRAQ ¶1. This is an action request. Please see para 10. ¶2. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Country Team requests the full release of U.S Generation III AN/PVS-7 Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) to the Government of Iraq for use by the Iraqi Army to enable improved counterterrorism operations and reduction of potential night collateral damage and fratricide. They will enable the Iraqi Army to own the night. These goggles will be procured through Foreign Military Sales at Iraqi expense at an estimated cost of $6 million. END SUMMARY. Description of Technology for Release -------------- ¶3. The Night Vison Devices to be supplied to the GOI will be limited to 1250 Figure of Merit (FOM) capability. Rationale for Technology Release -------------- ¶4. (SBU) U.S. forces currently serve as advisors to the Iraqi Army (IA) participating in operation execution and maintaining sensitive equipment. To successfully transition security responsibilities to the GoI, Iraqi army must be able to independently own and operate necessary counterterrorism equipment including U.S Generation III AN/PVS-7 Night Vision Goggles. These vision systems are crucial for successful operations against anti-Iraqi forces at night. They significantly improve precision targeting, advance self-defense, allow safe night operation of wheeled and tracked vehicles in urban and open terrain and reduce the risks of collateral damage and fratricide Without them Iraqi forces limited visibility operations would be severely degraded. 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 MOD, 18 November 2005. 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 the Generation III AN/PVS-7 Night Vision Goggles to adversely affect the regional balance of power or cause negative reactions from neighboring nations, as these systems are 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 the Generation III AN/PVS-7 Night Vision Goggles will facilitate progress toward this goal, advancing the Iraqi armed forces ability to identify, target and carry out 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 Government of Iraq national funds already on deposit in their Foreign Military sales Bank Account. The cost is estimated at $6 million. There is no significant economic impact anticipated to be generated by this sale BAGHDAD 00001741 002 OF 002 Relevant Human Rights Considerations -------------- ¶9. (SBU) There are no human rights considerations that should preclude the release of the defense equipment to the Iraqi military. Action Request -------------- ¶10. (SBU) We request Washington approval for the release to the of U.S Generation III AN/PVS-7 Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) to the Government of Iraq. CROCKER