UAE-BASED FIRM'S EFFORTS TO SUPPLY

S E C R E T STATE 032956 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/26/2033 TAGS: PARM MTCRE PREL IR AE SUBJECT: UAE-BASED FIRM'S EFFORTS TO SUPPLY MTCR-CONTROLLED JET ENGINES TO IRAN'S UAV PROGRAM (S) Classified By: ISN/MTR DIRECTOR PAM DURHAM REASONS 1.4 (B),(C) AND (D). ¶1. This is an action request. Embassy Abu Dhabi, please see paragraph 4. ¶2. (S) Background: Between July 2007 and January 2008, the UAE-based aerospace firm Noor Aerospace Technologies was working to supply the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries (HESA) with several types of jet engines, some of which are controlled by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and prohibited by UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1737 for transfer to Iran. HESA plans to use these engines in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs. Of further concern, Noor Aerospace Technologies LLC intends to falsify export licensing documents by labeling the engines as "pneumatic pumps," thus giving the appearance the end-user is not in Iran. ¶3. (S) Objective: Given that two types of the engines to be transferred are MTCR-controlled and prohibited by UNSCR 1737 for transfer to Iran, we ask UAE authorities to immediately investigate this activity and take all appropriate measures to prevent Noor Aerospace Technologies from violating UAE export control regulations or measures imposed pursuant to UNSCRs 1737, 1747 and 1803 in its efforts to assist Iran,s UAV programs. ¶4. (S) Action Request: Request Embassy Abu Dhabi approach appropriate UAE authorities to deliver talking points/non-paper in paragraph 5 below and report response. Talking points also may be provided as a non-paper. ¶5. (S) Begin talking points/non-paper: (SECRET REL UNITED ARAB EMIRATES) -- We would like to raise with you a matter of proliferation concern and request your assistance in investigating this activity. -- The U.S. has information that between July 2007 and January 2008, the UAE-based aerospace firm Noor Aerospace Technologies, was working to supply the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries (HESA) with several types of jet engines and that HESA plans to use these engines in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) applications. -- We believe the specific engines being sought by Noor Aerospace Technologies for HESA include model MS-400 turbojet engines, German origin Limbach 550-E engines, and Czech Republic-origin model TJ100A engines. -- Our information indicates that the TJ100A and MS400 engines are controlled by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). As such, these engines are also prohibited for transfer to Iran by paragraph 3 (c) of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1737. -- We further understand that to facilitate this transaction, Noor Aerospace Technologies LLC intends to falsify export licensing documents by labeling the engines as "pneumatic pumps" and to make it appear that the end-user for these goods is not in Iran, but in another country in the region such as Bahrain, Qatar, or Kuwait. -- We ask that you use this information to immediately investigate this activity and take all appropriate measures to prevent this firm from violating your export control laws and measures imposed pursuant to your UNSCR 1737 obligations by supplying Iran's UAV program with MTCR-controlled technology. -- We believe such action would be consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1737, 1747 and 1803. -- We look forward to future cooperation on nonproliferation issues and to hearing the results of your inquires into this matter at the earliest possible time. End talking points/non-paper ¶6. (U) Washington POC is ISN/MTR April Jones (Phone: 202-647-3176). Please slug any reporting on this issue for ISN/MTR, EUR/PRA, and EUR/NCE. ¶7. (U) A word version file of this document will be posted at www.state.sgov.gov/demarche. RICE NNNN End Cable Text