COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT FOR THE UPGRADE OF

UNCLAS CAIRO 000172 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ELA (IRWIN) AND PM (ARCHETTO) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MASS MARR EG SUBJECT: COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT FOR THE UPGRADE OF AN/ANVS-6(V)1 NIGHT VISION GOGGLES (NVG) IAW ASAM# GEN-07-ASAM-02 REF: A. EGYPTIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE LETTER OF REQUEST 07/AF/155 05 SEPT 07 ¶B. U.S. ARMY AVIATION SAFETY ACTION MESSAGE (ASAM) MAINTENANCE MANDATORY RCS CSGLD-1860 (R1)UPDATED INFORMATION ON NIGHT VISION DEVICES (NVD) GEN-07-ASAM-02 MSG DTG 041510Z APR 07 ¶C. ADDENDUM TO GEN-07-ASAM-02 ¶1. (SBU) Description: In Ref A (TAB A),the GOE requested the modification and upgrade of all existing Type 3 NVGs to type 4 in support of the operational flying requirements of the Egyptian Air Force (EAF). These upgrades are essential for the safe execution of night flying operations and must be completed immediately to remain in compliance with U.S. Army Safety policy and guidance (Ref B, page 3, para 7.2.1, TAB B). The Government of Egypt,s (GOEs) stated position regarding night flight operations is to align with the U.S. Army,s regulations, policies and procedures. This allows the GOE to maintain its current readiness level and negates the necessity of developing a separate Air Worthiness Release (AWR) in country. ¶2. (SBU) Reason the customer desires upgrade. The EAF currently maintains 94 sets of NVGs for night flying operations and requests to upgrade these systems prior to October 2008 in accordance with applicable regulations, policy letters and directives (See references). These AN/ANVS-6(V)1 NIGHT VISSION GOGGLES (NVGs) will become obsolete in 2008 and must be upgraded to remain in compliance with U.S. sustainability requirements defined in ASAM# GEN-07-ASAM-02 (Ref B). This required upgrade was discussed in detail at the Chinook PMR #9 (September 2007). The AN/ANVS-6(V)1 NVG was identified by the U.S. Army and the Apache Program Manager for upgrade/replacement. This action will assist in the modernization of the EAF to ensure safe flight operations, individual aviator proficiency and the overall readiness of assigned rotary wing squadrons. The Type 4 NVGs will improve the EAF capability to operate with U.S. Forces in a coalition environment. These systems are also more easily sustainable through the U.S. supply system (Ref C, Pg 2 Table, TAB C). ¶3. (SBU) How the NVGs will affect Egypt's force structure: There will be no increase in force structure; however there will be an increase in EAF capability to operate effectively at night. ¶4. (SBU) How the NVGs would contribute to both U.S. and Egyptian defense/security goals: NVG sales are consistent with DOD's Security Cooperation Guidance as it enhances the territorial security of regional states. It also supports two of CENTCOM's Security Cooperation objectives for Egypt: (1) enabling allies and partners, and (2) protecting U.S. and partner interests. This NVG upgrade will also support two of CENTCOM's Security Cooperation Desired Effects (SCDE) for Egypt: -- SCDE 3.2 "Support the defense modernization and transformation of allies or partners to reduce their vulnerability to external aggression and coercion" -- SCDE 4.2 "Improve their capability to operate independently or as part of a coalition with U.S. Forces" ¶5. (SBU) Justification for the type and quantity of NVDs requested: 94 sets of AN/ANVS-6(V)1 NIGHT VISSION GOGGLES (NVGs) are consistent with the quantity of systems NVDs required within the U.S. Army based on the number of assigned aircraft and rotary-wing aircrews within the EAF. This quantity would allow the EAF to equip each aircrew (AH-64 x 34, UH-60 x 8 and CH-47 x 18) with minimum night vision capability and provide sufficient spares for night aviation operations. In addition, a recent CTA was approved (November 07) for the procurement sixty-six (66) Night Ranger Viewers (AN/PVS-7B NVG) and associated spare parts to support two (2) ex-Knox Class Frigates and four (4) ex-Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigates. The AN/PVS-7B NVGs provide the Egyptian Naval Forces with a NVG capability that is equal to or greater than the requested upgrade for the EAF. ¶6. (SBU) Combatant Commander's concurrence to the introduction of a new war fighting capability to the nation or region: Combatant Commander's concurrence will be provided separately. ¶7. (SBU) Anticipated reactions of the neighboring nations: The upgrade of these NVGs should not impact the regional balance of power or cause negative reactions from any of Egypt's neighbors. This upgrade does not introduce new technology to Egypt (or the region) and will not impact Israel's qualitative military edge. ¶8. (SBU) Assessment of the nation's ability to account for, safeguard, operate, maintain, and support the articles: The Egyptians have 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 night vision technology in the past to include the AN/ANVS-6(V)1 and 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: No additional Mobile Training Teams will be required for the upgrade of these NVGs. There is no additional presence that will be required beyond normal U.S. interaction and training (TAFTs) with the individual EAF aircrews. ¶10. (SBU) Source of financing and the economic impact of the proposed acquisition: Egypt plans to upgrade NVDs utilizing Foreign Military Financing and has already allocated sufficient funds within their FY08/09 funding priority listing to finance this upgrade requirement. In addition, the EAF requests approval to purchase Type 4 NVGs as necessary when individual systems are no longer serviceable or no longer cost effective to maintain. The end-state is that the EAF modernizes its existing NVG inventory to Type 4, AN/ANVS-6(V)1 for sustainability and compliance. ¶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 point of contact, working in close coordination with the security assistance program officer, will review and maintain copies of the customer,s physical security and accountability control plan. All parties will maintain a serial number list of all NVGs within the inventory or transferred, and will conduct the mandated and inspections as required. The Egyptian military currently has over 2500 Night Vision Devices of various configurations in-country and has maintained accountability and security of those devices without unauthorized loss, theft, or access to date. ¶13. (SBU) Operational Plan and specific end-users: The operational plan for the NVGs states that the devices will be issued to applicable flying squadrons conducting night rotary-wing operations. The EAF will increase its interoperability with U.S. Forces as demonstrated by combined training exercises Bright Star. The extent of aviation operations and anti-terrorism missions may include countering border intrusions by a conventional threat or asymmetrical terrorist threat through territorial waters (the Suez Canal). In addition, these systems will significantly enhance the EAFs ability to respond to regional humanitarian relief efforts and the Egypt,s National Search and Rescue (SAR) capability. The GOE has indicated a willingness to meet U.S. guidelines for accountability and security of NVGs, and the Office of Military Cooperation will conduct EUM of the devices if the upgrade is approved. ¶14. (SBU) Recommendation whether the USG should approve the transfer of NVGs: The country team recommends USG approval for transfer of the NVGs. This is a coordinated mission position. JONES