EMBASSY AMMAN ASSESSMENT OF FMS REQUEST FOR

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 AMMAN 001945 SENSITIVE SIPDIS SECDEF FOR DSCA AND USD(P) SECSTATE FOR NEA/ELA MEGHAN GREGONIS SECSTATE FOR PM/RSAT MATT CHESSEN HQ DA FOR USASAC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MCAP MASS PREL JO SUBJECT: EMBASSY AMMAN ASSESSMENT OF FMS REQUEST FOR COMMERCIAL-OFF-THE-SHELF(COTS) NIGHT VISION DEVICES (NVD) ¶1. (SBU) The Government of Jordan has requested authorization to purchase Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Night Vision Devices (NVDs) through Foreign Military Financing (FMF) as part of their Jordan Border Security Plan (JBSP) FMS Case (JO-B-WAW). The NVDs will enhance Jordan's border security by increasing the night vision capability of Jordan's border security forces. This will enhance the ability of Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) to intercept smugglers, human traffickers, illegal immigrants and others who attempt to transit Jordan's borders illegally. ¶2. (SBU) These defense articles will not affect JAF's existing force structure. ¶3. (SBU) This request will enhance interoperability with partners in the Central Command (CENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR) and is a key objective of CENTCOM's Theater Strategy and their Theater Security Cooperation Plan. The NVDs will provide Jordan with a nocturnal capability during peacetime and contingency operations. Jordan plays an instrumental role in supporting U.S. efforts in the region and merits further U.S. assistance in this key area of national defense. Approval of this request will improve Jordan's ability to provide internal national security and significantly enhance Jordan-U.S. force interoperability when deployed overseas as a coalition partner. ¶4. (SBU) The total number and type of COTS NVDs requested is justified in paragraph 14. ¶5. (SBU) CENTCOM Commander's concurrence will be provided separately. ¶6. (SBU) The Embassy does not anticipate negative reaction from Jordan's neighboring countries. This action represents no increase to their current capabilities, nor is it a technological advancement in Jordan's capabilities that is significant enough to affect the regional balance of power. This purchase will not impact the foreign policies of Jordan or its neighbors. ¶7. (SBU) Jordan already accounts for, safeguards, operates and maintains similar and more sensitive items without difficulty. In October 2008, Jordan received a "successful" rating following the Defense Security Cooperation Agency's (DSCA) Compliance Assessment Visit (CAV),DSCAs highest rating. The rating was based on End Use Monitoring (EUM) compliance with their three EEUM articles including Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM),Javelins, and NVDs. Jordan has provided assurances of its intent to provide these NVDs with the same degree of security and accountability. The Country Team assesses that Jordan will continue to be a trustworthy custodian of sensitive U.S. technologies. ¶8. (SBU) Jordan will not require any in-country operator or technical training from U.S. trainers in conjunction with this acquisition. ¶9. (SBU) The Country Team does not anticipate any negative impact of U.S. in-country presence associated with this acquisition. ¶10. (SBU) Jordan is purchasing these NVDs with Foreign Military Financing (FMF). ¶11. (SBU) There are no human rights considerations relevant to the proposed acquisition. ¶12. (SBU) These NVDs are enhanced-EUM items and will require periodic inventories while in the possession of the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). The Military Assistance Program (MAP) in Jordan currently has an active EUM system in place with the JAF. ¶13. (SBU) Embassy Amman recommends approval of the transfer of the NVDs detailed in para 14. The recommendation is based on the Country Team's assessment that the acquisition will improve Jordan's security while representing no political or technological risk to the U.S. ¶14. (SBU) Jordan requests five (5) each, Rigel Optics LED Day Night Vision Goggles Emergency Sets including:(NVG Emergency Kit, Binoculars, Spotting Scope, and 24-volt Spotlight) for use in border intrusion detection and apprehension. ¶15. (U) POC this action is MAJ Scott A. Hurley, USA, at 011-962-6-590-6538 or shurley@san.osd.mil. AMMAN 00001945 002 OF 002 BEECROFT