EMBASSY AMMAN ASSESSMENT OF FMS REQUEST FOR 17 X

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 AMMAN 002555 SENSITIVE SIPDIS SECDEF FOR DSCA AND USD(P) SECSTATE FOR NEA/ELA AND PM/RSAT HQ DA FOR USASAC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MCAP MASS PREL JO SUBJECT: EMBASSY AMMAN ASSESSMENT OF FMS REQUEST FOR 17 X APG-68(V)9 ¶1. (SBU) The Government of Jordan has requested authorization to upgrade 17 x APG-66 to APF-68(V)9 in support of the modification of their F-16 fleets. This upgrade will enhance air-to-air tracking and targeting capabilities by increasing the range with which forces can identify, acqyuire, and distinguish air and ground targets. Jordan currently has no targeting system to deploy air to ground munitions. The propose acquisition is required equipemtn for air support of border security, counter-terrorism, and special operations forces. ¶2. (SBU) These defense articles will not affect the existing force structure of the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). ¶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. 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 coalition partners. ¶4. (SBU) The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) currently has APG-66s. This upgrade will require both hardware and software updates for 17 aircraft in support of their F-16 modification. ¶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 only a modest increase to Jordan's current capabilities and is not a technological advancement significant enough to affect the regional balance of power. This purchase will not impact the foreign policies of Jordan or of 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 rating of "successful" following the Defense Security Cooperation Agency's (DSCA) Compliance Assessment Visit (CAV),DSCA's 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 require classified briefings, operator and other technical training from U,.S. trainers. The Country Team does not anticipate any negative reaction from neighboring countries regarding this technical training. ¶9. (SBU) The Country Team does not anticipate any negative impact of in-country U.S. presence required to provide these articles. ¶10. (SBU) Jordan is purchasing these Targeting Pods with Foreign Military Financing (FMF). ¶11. (SBU) There are no human rights considerations relevant to the proposed acquisition. ¶12. (SBU) The Military Assistance Program (MAP) in Jordan currently has an effective End-Use Monitoring (EUM) system in place for the JAF. These items will not require EUM since they are part of the F-16 system. If required, periodic inspection will be completed as a part of the MAP EUM program. ¶13. (SBU) Embassy Amman recommends approval of the upgrade of 17 APG-66 to APG-68(V)9. The recommendation is based on the Country Team's assessment that the acquisition will improve Jordan's border security, internal defense, and counter-terrorism capabilities, while representing no political or technological risk to the U.S. ¶14. (U) POC for this action is MAJ Jason E. Figueiredo AMMAN 00002555 002 OF 002 (USA) at 011-962-6-590-6711 or jfigueir@san.osd.mil. Beecroft