EGYPT: COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF TWO

UNCLAS CAIRO 001128 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 REF: A. EGYPTIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE LETTER OF REQUEST (08-224) FOR LETTER OF OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE (LOA),DATED 02 SEPT 07. ¶B. MEMORANDUM FOR EGYPTIAN ARMAMENT AUTHORITY (EAA),SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR COORDINATION MEETING, DATED 10 MAR 08. ¶C. MEMORANDUM FOR EGYPTIAN AIR FORCE (EAF) ARMAMENT DEPARTMENT, SUBJECT: REQUIRED INFORMATION FOR CTA AND LOR SUBMISSION, DATED 27 MAY 08. Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU). Please protect accordingly. ¶1. (SBU) Description. In REF A, the GOE submitted a request to procure two UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters to support their Border Security Mission. These designated aircraft will perform tasks associated with border security and surveillance. These helicopters will support an existing military force in conjunction with an upgraded Border Surveillance Operations Center. This operations center will include a ground station that provides an enhanced digital downlink and communications capability. All missions will be in compliance with the standards and regulations outlined within current international and regional agreements. Additional information is available at www.mmc.gov.eg. The GOE desired end-state of these Border Security assets is a more effective day/night surveillance and observation capability that enhances the current operational awareness along designated border areas. ¶2. (SBU) Reason and justification for customer's request. Recent events along Egyptian border areas support the GOE initiative to procure an increased rotary-wing capability to perform surveillance and observation missions. These modern aircraft will replace existing, aging airframes (MI-17, etc.) that have reached or rapidly approaching the end of their recommended service life. There will be no change to the existing mission and primary roles will include surveillance, troop transport, reconnaissance, etc. Existing aircraft provide a limited night capability to support this high priority mission. This procurement has been discussed in detail at the recent Financial Management Review (FMR) and Military Cooperation Conference (MCC),and has GOE Presidential visibility. The UH-60M (Black Hawk) helicopter with surveillance 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 EAF border security assets. The UH-60M (Black Hawk) helicopter will improve the EAF ability to perform mission essential tasks inherent in the GOE Border Security Mission. In addition, it provides a common platform for the EAF to participate in future training exercises with U.S. and Coalition Forces. These aircraft are currently in the U.S. Army inventory and long-term sustainability through the U.S. supply system is another distinct advantage. ¶3. (SBU) System description and Impact to Force Structure. The primary mission of the basic 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 Surveillance 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 aircraft's day/night surveillance 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, while also protecting U.S. and partner interests. It 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 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 surveillance package would be an excellent airframe to support the border security mission. The procurement of these aircraft is a natural progression to modernize assets and significantly improve an existing capability. This modernization effort of aerial platforms to support border security will inevitably demand additional procurements of rotary-wing aircraft. ¶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 surveillance 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 similar 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 training exercises. 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 Surveillance and communications 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 GOE Border Security 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 customer's 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 support the existing Border Security Mission. These aircraft will replace older airframes that are approaching obsolescence and perform tasks associated with border security and surveillance. These helicopters will support a dedicated security force in conjunction with an upgraded Border Surveillance Operations Center. 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. Finally, it improves their ability to perform mission 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 helicopters to support security and surveillance operations along the Egyptian border. This is a coordinated mission position. SCOBEY 1 of 5