EMBASSY AMMAN ASSESSMENT OF FMS REQUEST FOR

UNCLAS AMMAN 002556 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 AN/TPS-79 RADAR ¶1. (SBU) The Government of Jordan has requested authorization to purchase AN/TPS-79 Radar systems from Lockheed Martin. Jordan is currently seeking a replacement for their outdated AN/TPS-63 radar, but requires time to finance such a large transformation. The acquisition of this Radar system would supplement their current legacy system to improve their air defense capability while allowing time to acquire a new air defense system. ¶2. (SBU) These defense articles will serve as a bridge to a new air defense system. Once a new system is acquired, we expect it to lower the force structure as seen with the current legacy system. ¶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 RJAF currently has AN/TPS-63 radar. The AN/TPS-79 radar that would be acquired under this request will replace the outdated legacy system. ¶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. The Country Team assesses that Jordan is 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 AN/TPS-79 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. If required, periodic inspection will be completed as a part of the MAP EUM program. ¶13. (SBU) Embassy Amman recommends approval for the transfer of the AN/TPS-79 radar. 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 (USA) at 011-962-6-590-6711 or jfigueir@san.osd.mil. Beecroft