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for their outdated AN/TPS-63 radar, but requires time to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will replace the outdated legacy system.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