TURKMENISTAN: REQUEST FOR RADIOS AND EQUIPMENT

UNCLAS ASHGABAT 001026 SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/CEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS TX SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: REQUEST FOR RADIOS AND EQUIPMENT ¶1. DoD has an increased need for overflight of Turkmenistan in order to maintain the increased operational tempo in Afghanistan. The Government of Turkmenistan has informed State officials, that they cannot support US requests for increased overflight without an upgrade to their air traffic control equipment, otherwise they risk the safety of all craft overflying Turkmen airspace. ¶2. Request DoD use its authorities to provide THY air traffic control equipment as recommended in the recent Air Force Central Command (AFCENT) report. The recommendations provided in the report, four VHF radios and two VSAT terminals, should allow Turkmenistan to handle the increase in DoD requirements safely. ¶3. Supporting this initiative will enhance operational capability and ensure the safety of US pilots in support of US operations in Afghanistan. Consequently, Embassy Ashgabat requests that the Department of Defense should provide the requested equipment at the earliest opportunity. MILES