Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BAGHDAD1741
2007-05-25 14:02:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:
ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPON RELEASE TO IRAQ
how-toVZCZCXRO6853 OO RUEHBC RUEHDA RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK DE RUEHGB #1741/01 1451402 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 251402Z MAY 07 FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1378 INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC PRIORITY RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY
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
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
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