EGYPT: COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF TWO

UNCLAS CAIRO 001126 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ELA AND PM/RSAT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MASS MARR EG SUBJECT: EGYPT: COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF TWO (2) UH-60M BLACK HAWK HELICOPTERS TO SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT OF EGYPT (GOE) SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) MISSION. REF: A. EGYPTIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE LETTER OF REQUEST (07-150) FOR PRICING AND AVAILABLITY (P&A),DATED 02 SEPT 07. ¶B. EGYPTIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE LETTER OF REQUEST (08-075) FOR LETTER OF OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE (LOA),DATED 29 MAR 08. ¶C. MEMORANDUM FOR EGYPTIAN ARMAMENT AUTHORITY; SUBJECT: REQUIREMENTS FOR LOR SUBMISSION, DATED 7 APR 08. Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU). Please protect accordingly. ¶1. (SBU) Description. In REF B, the GOE submitted a request to procure two UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters to augment the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) Search and Rescue capability. This capability will directly support the GOE National Crisis Response Plan. The primary role of these designated SAR aircraft is to perform time critical tasks associated with civil/military accidents, natural disasters, and humanitarian relief efforts. These helicopters will augment a dedicated military reaction force that will ultimately be part of a National Crisis Response Network, consisting of both civilian and military assets. These aircraft will be utilized and perform missions in conjunction with the Egyptian Search and Rescue Center (ESARC). These missions will be in compliance with the standards and regulations outlined within the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO). Additional information is available at www.mmc.gov.eg. The GOE desired end-state of its SAR capabilities and ultimate Crisis Response Network, is to replicate the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the Federal Government's Emergency Operations Centers, but at a much smaller scale. ¶2. (SBU) Reason and justification for customer's request. The EAF recently established a military Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations Center located at Al Maza Air Base. The primary function of this operations center is to coordinate with the various Division and Wing Commanders for aircraft support. The SAR Headquarters can coordinate for limited rotary (MI-17, SH-2G) and fixed wing (C-130) assets to support this mission. The Area of Responsibility (AOR) is currently too large for organic assets assigned to the SAR mission to cover without additional aircraft. No organic capability exists for over-water and night SAR missions. This urgent procurement has GOE Presidential visibility and has been discussed in detail at the recent Financial Management Review (FMR) and Military Cooperation Conference (MCC). The UH-60M (Black Hawk) helicopter with SAR package was identified by the U.S. Army and Blackhawk Program Manager as a suitable rotary-wing platform to support the GOE specific Mission Requirements. This action will assist in the modernization of the EAF to ensure safe flight operations, individual aviator proficiency and the overall readiness of the EAF SAR Operations Center. The UH-60M (Black Hawk) helicopter will improve the EAF capability to potentially operate with U.S. and Coalition Forces in Regional Crisis Response and Humanitarian Relief efforts. These aircraft are currently in the U.S. Army inventory and will be more easily sustainable through the U.S. supply system. ¶3. (SBU) System description and Impact to Force Structure. The primary mission of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is as a troop carrier and logistical support aircraft. However, the helicopter can be configured to carry out Medical Evacuation, Command-and-Control, Search-and-Rescue, Armed Escort, Electronic Warfare and Executive Transport Missions. The UH-60M features new wide chord composite spar main rotor blades (500lb more lift), strengthened fuselage and advanced infrared suppression. The fly-by-wire glass cockpit has a digitized 1553 bus-based avionics suite with four multi-function displays, four-axis fully coupled autopilot, two electronic flight management systems, digital moving map and Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IHVMS). The new T700-GE-701D engine is more powerful and provides additional lift during sling load operations. Recent enhancements to this helicopter will significantly increase the EAF day/night SAR capability and will only add two additional airframes to their current force structure. ¶4. (SBU) Will the procurement of UH-60M SAR aircraft contribute to both U.S. and Egyptian defense/security goals? Aircraft sales are consistent with DOD's Security Cooperation Guidance as it enhances the territorial security and crisis response capabilities of regional states. It assists the U.S. in enabling allies and partners and protecting U.S. and partner interests. It also supports the modernization and transformation of allies or partners to reduce their vulnerability to external military sales. Finally, it improves their ability to operate independently over-water or at night without significant reliance on U.S. or coalition Forces. ¶5. (SBU) Justification for type/quantity of aircraft requested. A detailed analysis and review of several suitable airframes was completed by EAF with input from the Utility Cargo Helicopter Office (UPHO) and Cargo Helicopter Program Manager. Their findings revealed that the UH-60M Black Hawk with SAR package would be an excellent airframe to support the SAR mission. The procurement of these two aircraft is the first step, since the original initiative in 1983, in standing up a Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) with permanently assigned personnel and equipment. The establishment of the GOE National Crisis Response Network will inevitably demand additional procurements of fixed and rotary-wing aircraft in future years. ¶6. (SBU) Combatant Commander's concurrence to the introduction of a new Humanitarian and Disaster Relief capability to the nation or region. Combatant Commander's concurrence will be provided separately. ¶7. (SBU) Anticipated reactions of the neighboring nations. The procurement of these additional SAR aircraft should not influence the regional balance of power or cause negative reactions from any of Egypt's neighbors. This procurement introduces a limited increase of technology to Egypt, but does not introduce new technology to the region. Several regional allies have recently purchased identical airframes through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) or Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) programs with U.S. concurrence. These assets will greatly enhance Egypt's ability to participate in combined Regional Humanitarian or Disaster Relief efforts. This procurement will not impact Israel's qualitative military edge. ¶8. (SBU) Assessment of the nation's ability to ensure proper funding, accountability, sustainability and security of assets. The GOE has demonstrated the intent and ability to protect sensitive, classified military technology over an extended period. Egypt signed a General Security of Information Agreement with the U.S. and as a customer, has purchased and protected the sensitive technology of other U.S. weapons systems. Egypt has procured similar rotary-wing aircraft in the past to include eight (8) UH-60L Blackhawk helicopters that currently provide VIP support to the GOE President. The EAF has met all previous security and End Use monitoring (EUM) requirements. ¶9. (SBU) Training required either in country or in the U.S. and anticipated reactions resulting from the presence of U.S. trainer's in country. The EAF already maintains a squadron of eight (8) UH-60L Helicopters and maintains sufficient numbers of trained aircrews. The EAF pilots currently complete all UH-60 Black Hawk Aviator Qualification Courses (AQC) in the U.S. The only exception would be specialized SAR training for the aircrews, taught by a Mobile Training Team (MTT). The presence of this additional MTT would have little anticipated reaction because of the permanent Security Assistance Teams (SATs) already assigned in country. ¶10. (SBU) Source of financing and the economic impact of the proposed acquisition. Egypt plans to procure these two aircraft utilizing Foreign Military Financing and has already allocated sufficient funds within their FY08/09 budget. This acquisition is essential for the National SAR capability and is on the Egyptian Armament Authority (EAA) Priority List. ¶11. (SBU) Human rights considerations relevant to the proposed acquisition. None. ¶12. (SBU) Plan for end-use monitoring and plan for compliance verification. The Office of Military Cooperation (OMC) Egypt has a robust Golden Sentry Program. The Golden Sentry Program representative and Security Assistance Officer (SAO) responsible for the program, will coordinate for the review and maintenance of required documentation. All parties will maintain serial number lists of all components within the inventory or transferred, and will conduct the mandated inspections as required. This coordination will ensure that historical copies of all EUM Inspection results and customers' physical security and accountability control plans remain on file. The Egyptian military currently has over 100 helicopters (FMS) of various configurations in country. Egypt has maintained accountability and security of these aircraft without unauthorized loss, theft, or access to date. The GOE has indicated a willingness to meet U.S. guidelines for accountability and security of these advanced aircraft, and the Office of Military Cooperation will conduct End Use Monitoring (EUM) of all required components if this request is approved. ¶13. (SBU) Operational Plan and specific end-users. The operational plan for these aircraft is to augment a dedicated military reaction force that will ultimately be part of a National Crisis Response Network, consisting of both civilian and military assets. The GOE has already established a Search and Rescue Committee consisting of the representatives from the following Ministries: Foreign Affairs, Health, Transportation, Communications, Civil Affairs and Social Affairs. This action will assist in the modernization of the EAF to ensure safe flight operations, individual aviator proficiency and the overall readiness of the EAF SAR Operations Center. Finally, it improves their ability to perform SAR mission essential tasks at night without significant reliance on U.S. or coalition Forces. ¶14. (SBU) Recommendation whether the USG should approve the request to procure additional rotary-wing aircraft. The country team recommends USG approval for the GOE procurement of two (2) UH-60M Black Hawk SAR helicopters. This is a coordinated mission position. SCOBEY 1 of 5