ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPONS RELEASE TO IRAQ -

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BAGHDAD 000062

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: IZ MARR MCAP MOPS PGOV PINS PNAT PTER
SUBJECT: ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPONS RELEASE TO IRAQ -
F-16 AIRCRAFT

REF: LETTER OF REQUEST FOR PRICE AND AVAILABILITY FOR
PURCHASE OF THIRTY SIX (36) F-16 AIRCRAFT
FROM IRAQI MINISTRY OF DEFENSE DATED 27 AUG
2008


1. (U) This is an action request, see paragraph 11.


2. (SBU) Summary: The Country Team requests the approval for
the sale of thirty-six (36) F-16 block 50/52 aircraft and
associated equipment and munitions to the Government of Iraq
(GOI). This sale will continue to build the Iraqi Air Force
(IQAF),under the guidance of Coalition Forces and the Iraqi
Ministry of Defense, to a level adequate to defend against
the internal threats that insurgents pose to Iraq's
indigenous population, as well as IQAF's operational
capability to deter and defend against external threats to
GOI's security. This sale will further enhance
interoperability with Coalition air forces. End Summary.

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Description of Technology for Release
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3. (SBU) This aircraft system sale would include the
following technological systems and features:

- APG-68(v)9 radar with synthetic aperture radar is provided
as standard equipment on the F-16 block 50/52 aircraft.

- Generation III targeting pods provide precise, day/night
targeting capability to more effectively execute
counterterrorism operations.

- An internal electronic warfare suite as sold to other F-16
customers would provide a modern self-defense capability and
would free up an external centerline station for an
additional fuel tank while reducing drag.

- The Link-16 secure data-link system will maximize
interoperability with US and NATO forces.

- GPS/PPS capability is required for inclusion of the
embedded GPS/INS avionics unit and is also a baseline
requirement for JDAM.

- IFF with Mode IV will provide the IQAF with the ability to
operate in a coalition environment and is a theater baseline
requirement for release of AMRAAM.

- AMRAAM munitions will provide the IQAF with an air-to-air
defense missile commensurate with the capabilities of the
block 50/52 F-16 aircraft.

- GBU-31 and GBU-38 JDAM munitions will provide the IQAF with
the necessary precision guided munitions to more effectively
combat terrorists in Iraq.

- CBU-130 and CBU-105 wind corrected munitions will provide
the IQAF with more accurate weapons deliveries against
terrorism targets.

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Rationale for Technology Release
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4. (SBU) The IQAF currently has no inventory of tactical
fighter aircraft or precision guided munitions capabilities.
F-16 block 50/52s incorporating modern data links, navigation
systems, targeting pods, and beyond-visual-range missiles are
necessary for the GOI to participate in Coalition training,
exercises and operations, and to operate a modern air defense
network. This sale will complement the IQAF's existing
procurement of flight screening and primary trainer aircraft
in preparation for the F-16 weapon system. The updated
aircraft will improve Iraq's operational flexibility and
allow the IQAF to integrate its assets in Coalition
operations and future bilateral and multilateral exercises.
Releasing the F-16s to Iraq will also reduce the IQAF need to
turn to non-U.S. suppliers for its emerging fighter
requirements, and will further build a U.S.-Iraq
military-to-military aviation relationship for decades to
Qmilitary-to-military aviation relationship for decades to
come.

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Iraq Safeguarding Sensitive Technology
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5. (SBU) Iraq has demonstrated the intent and ability to
protect sensitive, classified military technology since
working with U.S. and Coalition forces. An Article 505
agreement (signed by the GOI July 24, 2004) demonstrates
Iraq's commitment to protect grant defense articles and
technology similar to our standards. Additionally, a
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for compliance for the storage,
security and inventory of all sensitive items of equipment
and materiel was signed by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense on
November 18, 2005. MNF-I will continue to train and mentor
the IQAF in the proper use, protection, and safeguarding of
sensitive technologies as they continue to demonstrate this
maturity and intent. MNF-I will also obtain all necessary
formal agreements with the GOI before transferring any
sensitive equipment or technology. Lastly, MNF-I will
continue to carry out a robust Enhanced End Use Monitoring
(EEUM) program while executing this force modernization
effort.

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Anticipated Reaction from Neighboring Nations
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6. (SBU) The GOI's request for F-16s has prompted some
internal opposition from leaders in the country's Kurdish
region, as well as opposition from neighboring nations in the
Middle East. While Iraq's military has become more competent,
the Shia-dominated central government continues to arouse
suspicion among some sects and to face internal competition
in a developing political environment. The rapid regeneration
of Iraqi Security Forces with equipment of U.S. origin such
as F-16s is also likely to be viewed with concern by other
countries in the region. The Parliament of Kuwait has openly
expressed concerns about Iraqi military procurement which are
likely to increase with this sale.


7. However, we assess that this sale will not materially
affect the military balance of power in the region. Even with
the F-16 block 50/52 system, Iraq still has a ways to go
before achieving air power parity with the Gulf States and
Iran. Iraq's U.S.-allied neighbors, Israel and Saudi Arabia,
each fly hundreds of modern military aircraft. The Israeli
Air Force operates F-16s, as do Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, the
UAE, Oman and Bahrain. Release of this system would move
Iraq's military capabilities incrementally closer to those if
its regional neighbors and would be more likely to increase
the level of stability in the region. The concerns are to be
expected and reinforce the need to closely monitor end use of
the F-16 weapon system, but are not judged sufficient to
prevent the release of the aircraft.

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Iraq's Political Importance to the Region
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8. (SBU) A stable, democratically-elected Iraqi government,
capable of protecting its people and sovereignty, and
remaining at peace with its neighbors is one of the USG's
highest priorities. The release and employment of F-16s will
facilitate progress toward this goal by advancing the Iraqi
Security Forces' ability to provide security against
anti-Iraqi forces, while significantly reducing the risk to
themselves and the population. F-16s will improve the
capability and interoperability of the IQAF, increase
deterrence against air attack from potential threats, and
enhance Iraq's ability to monitor its border regions during
Qenhance Iraq's ability to monitor its border regions during
both day and night. The increased capability will allow for a
greater IQAF role in Coalition training, exercises and
operations, which will increase Iraq's interoperability with
the rest of the world's modernized air forces.

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Source of Financing and Economic Impact
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9. (SBU) This purchase will be financed by Government of Iraq
funds. The cost is pending official price and availability
data. We do not envision that approval of this technology
release will adversely affect either Iraqi or U.S. programmed
funding. There is no significant economic impact anticipated
to be generated by this sale.

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Relevant Human Rights Considerations
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10. (SBU) There are no human rights considerations that

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should preclude the release of the defense equipment to the
Iraqi Armed Forces.

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Action Request
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11. (SBU) We request immediate Washington approval for the
release of 36 F-16 block 50/52 aircraft to the Government of
Iraq.
CROCKER