EMBASSY AMMAN ASSESSMENT OF FMS REQUEST FOR

UNCLAS AMMAN 002566

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

SECSTATE FOR NEAL/ELA AND PM/RSAT
SECDEF FOR DSCA AND USD(P)
HQ DA FOR USASAC

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MCAP MASS PREL JO
SUBJECT: EMBASSY AMMAN ASSESSMENT OF FMS REQUEST FOR
AN/MPQ-64 FI SENTINEL RADAR


1. (SBU) The Government of Jordan has requested
authorization to purchase AN/MPQ-64 FI Sentinel Radar from
Thales Raytheon Systems. Jordan is currently seeking a
replacement for their outdated AN/TPS-63 radar, but needs
time to finance such a large transformation. The acquisition
of this radar system would supplement their current legacy
system to enhance their air defense capability in the interim.


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 request is to purchase 5 AN/TPS-63 radars with
an option to purchase more at a later date.


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/MPQ-64 FI Sentinel
Radars 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 require periodic
inspection and inventories which will be completed as a part
of the MAP EUM program.


13. (SBU) Embassy Amman recommends approval for the
transfer of the AN/MPQ-64 FI Sentinel Radars. 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