EMBASSY AMMAN ASSESSMENT OF FMS REQUEST FOR

UNCLAS AMMAN 002567

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
TPS-703 RADARS


1. (SBU) The Government of Jordan has requested
authorization to purchase TPS-703 radar systems from Northrop
Grumman. Jordan is currently seeking a replacement for their
outdated AN/TPS-63 radar, but requires time to finance such a
large transformation. The acquisi9tion of this radar system
would supplement their current legacy system and enhance
their air defense capability while allowing Jordan time to
acquire the new air defense system.


2. (SBU) These defense articles will act 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 systems.


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-703 radars
with an option to purchase more at a later date if necessary.


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 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/TPS-703 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