POST APPROVAL FOR NIGHT VISION DEVICES FOR SPECIAL

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 002380 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER MARR PK SUBJECT: POST APPROVAL FOR NIGHT VISION DEVICES FOR SPECIAL SERVICES GROUP USING PAKISTAN COUNTER-INSURGENCY FUNDING ¶1. (U) Summary: Post supports the procurement of night vision devices (NVDs) for the Pakistan military at a cost of $300,000, using FY09 Pakistan Counter-Insurgency Funding (PCF). The purchase is for 25 Renegade 320 Thermal Imaging Devices for the Special Services Group (SSG). End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) The Pakistan Army Special Services Group (SSG) requested 25 Thermal Imaging Devices (Renegade 320) for its units at a cost of $300,000. This procurement, via Pakistan Counter-Insurgency Funding (PCF) from FY09 funds, will improve both the quantity and quality of Pakistan defense forces' night fighting capability. The Renegade 320s will be distributed to SSG units conducting counter-insurgency operations in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). JUSTIFICATION FOR SALE -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Pakistan's counter-insurgency operations require the ability to conduct the full range of intelligence gathering and combat activities 24 hours per day in order to deny enemy militants the cover of darkness. The Renegade 320s will be fielded to critical observers and snipers in the SSG. The resulting increase in night fighting and night operations capabilities will improve Pakistan's ability to counter insurgents and terrorists located in Pakistan's border regions. NIGHT VISION DEVICE INFORMATION -------------- ¶4. (SBU) The Renegade 320s are used for urban reconnaissance and close-quarter or long-range intelligence gathering. These NVDs are GEN III equipment and are mission essential for the special trained forces to which the devices will be issued. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PROCUREMENT -------------- ¶5. (U) This acquisition will not affect Pakistan's force structure nor does it introduce new technology to Pakistan or the region. Similar devices are in widespread use. NVDs will be used by existing units. END USE MONITORING -------------- ¶6. (U) End Use Monitoring and compliance verification will be performed by the Office of Defense Representative Pakistan (ODRP) during annual inventories of sensitive items. The Pakistan military possesses a total of 982 NVDs which are subject to U.S. inventory and cooperates fully in planning and conducting inventories. U.S. TRAINING AND SUPPORT -------------- ¶7. (SBU) No U.S. training or in-country U.S. support is required other than annual inventories required under enhanced end use monitoring provisions noted in para 6. However, in country training on the NVDs will be provided by currently assigned U.S. SOC-FWD-PAK personnel. HUMAN RIGHTS CONSIDERATION -------------- ¶8. (U) There are no human rights considerations precluding the release of NVDs to the Pakistan military. FEIERSTEIN