Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09RABAT686
2009-08-12 15:07:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Rabat
Cable title:
COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT IN SUPPORT OF AIM-9X
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHRB #0686/01 2241507 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 121507Z AUG 09 FM AMEMBASSY RABAT TO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC//USDP:DSCA-MEAN// PRIORITY RUEAHQA/HQ USAF WASHDC//SAF/IA// PRIORITY RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE//ECJ4-ID// PRIORITY RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC//PM/3149/7310/0110// PRIORITY 0549 INFO RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4/IDS// RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE//ECJ5//
C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 000686
SIPDIS
STATE FOR PM, NEA/RA AND NEA/MAG
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/12/2019
TAGS: MARR MASS PREL MO
SUBJECT: COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT IN SUPPORT OF AIM-9X
MISSILE FOREIGN MILITARY SALE
REF: LETTER OF REQUEST FROM MOROCCAN AIR FORCE DTD 11
JUNE 09 REQUESTING 20 AIM-9X MISSILES AND
10 AIM-9X TRAINING MISSILES
Classified By: Chief OSC-MO, LTC J. T. Wyatt, Sr, for reason 1.4 (b).
C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 000686
SIPDIS
STATE FOR PM, NEA/RA AND NEA/MAG
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/12/2019
TAGS: MARR MASS PREL MO
SUBJECT: COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT IN SUPPORT OF AIM-9X
MISSILE FOREIGN MILITARY SALE
REF: LETTER OF REQUEST FROM MOROCCAN AIR FORCE DTD 11
JUNE 09 REQUESTING 20 AIM-9X MISSILES AND
10 AIM-9X TRAINING MISSILES
Classified By: Chief OSC-MO, LTC J. T. Wyatt, Sr, for reason 1.4 (b).
1. (U) Purpose. Embassy Rabat supports the sale of AIM-9X
missiles.
2. (U) Reason Desired. The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF)
is modernizing its fighter aircraft with the purchase of 24
F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft and the AIM-9X would be in support
of the F-16. The AIM-9X acquisition would complement the 4th
generation technology of the F-16, enhance interoperability
with USAF systems and further U.S. access to the RMAF. The
AIM-9X, when coupled with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing
System (JHMCS),allows the pilot to engage targets not
captured by the aircraft,s radar, but ones that can be
visually acquired, i.e., if the pilot sees a target within
range, it can be engaged. For full operational capability,
the AIM-9X should be integrated in the current production of
the RMAF,s F-16 C/D aircraft.
3. (C/NF) Effect on Force Structure. The AIM-9X has no
effect on force structure
4. (C/NF) Contribution to both U.S. and Moroccan
Defense/Security Goals. U.S. Government interests will be
served by improving the RMAF,s F-16 armament capability in
order to participate in combined exercises and coalition
operations. Building Partnership Capacity (BPC) is a DoD
core competency and the acquisition of AIM-9X missiles
fulfills this objective. For Moroccan security goals, the
AIM-9X missiles will increase RMAF,s air defense and
deterrent capability.
5. (C/NF) Justification of type and quantity. The choice of
the AIM-9X is consistent with the other capabilities being
procured with the F-16 acquisition. RMAF has purchased
AIM-120C7 missiles, AIM-9M missiles, AGM-88B missiles, JDAM
weapons and the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System. The
AIM-9X complements this F-16 armament acquisition. The
AIM-9X does introduce a new defensive capability when coupled
with the JHMCS. The quantity of 20 live missiles and 10
training missiles meets the RMAF,s needs and is not
considered excessive, as the number of missiles is consistent
with Morocco,s deterrent posture.
6. (C/NF) Reaction of Neighbors. Reaction from the
Government of Algeria may be expected, although this Mission
defers to Embassy Algiers to assess the GOA Reaction. With
the aging of RMAF,s military equipment, Morocco is seeking
to modernize all of its capabilities, including air-to-air
armaments. The acquisition of AIM-9X missiles is consistent
with its modernization plan and deterrent posture. The
Governments of Mauritania and Spain would possibly take note
of the sale, but both countries enjoy good relations with
Morocco.
7. (U) Ability to Account, Safeguard, Operate, Maintain, and
Support. Excellent. Morocco currently has a wide variety of
classified and sensitive U.S. origin equipment and has
demonstrated considerable expertise in its security,
maintenance and operations. Morocco was recently offered a
Communications Interoperability and Security Memorandum of
Agreement (CISMOA) by DoD, which upon signature, stipulates
that Morocco will safeguard all U.S. origin sensitive
military communication security items and equipment.
8. (C/NF) Training Requirements. The RMAF will have
loading, maintenance and pilot training requirements. Those
requirements will be definitized after signature of a Letter
of Offer and Acceptance.
9. (C/NF) Impact of In-Country U.S. Forces. We anticipate
no need for additional in-country staff support.
10. (C/NF) Source of Financing. Morocco states it will use
national funds.
11. (U) Human Rights Impact. As noted in the 2008 Country
Reports on Human Rights Practices, Morocco,s human rights
situation has improved considerably although problems remain.
During the reign of King Mohammed VI, in particular,
increased freedoms and rights have been given to women.
While violations continue, we do not now perceive the
Moroccan Air Force to be a human rights abuser. Post sees
little risk that these missiles could be used for human
rights violations.
12. (U) End-Use Monitoring Plan. OSC Rabat has an End-Use
Monitoring Plan in effect and will ensure all sensitive items
are accounted for and disposed of in accordance with US
regulations.
13. (U) Approval Recommendation. Embassy Rabat recommends
approval of sale of 20 AIM-9X missiles and 10 AIM-9X training
missiles. Modernizing the RMAF,s armament is consistent
with USG objectives and the AIM-9X foreign military sale
continues our support of the Government of Morocco's security
and regional stability.
14. (U) OSC POC is Capt CJ Johnson, Rabat commercial
telephone: 212 661-09-6117.
*****************************************
Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website;
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Moro cco
*****************************************
Jackson
SIPDIS
STATE FOR PM, NEA/RA AND NEA/MAG
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/12/2019
TAGS: MARR MASS PREL MO
SUBJECT: COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT IN SUPPORT OF AIM-9X
MISSILE FOREIGN MILITARY SALE
REF: LETTER OF REQUEST FROM MOROCCAN AIR FORCE DTD 11
JUNE 09 REQUESTING 20 AIM-9X MISSILES AND
10 AIM-9X TRAINING MISSILES
Classified By: Chief OSC-MO, LTC J. T. Wyatt, Sr, for reason 1.4 (b).
1. (U) Purpose. Embassy Rabat supports the sale of AIM-9X
missiles.
2. (U) Reason Desired. The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF)
is modernizing its fighter aircraft with the purchase of 24
F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft and the AIM-9X would be in support
of the F-16. The AIM-9X acquisition would complement the 4th
generation technology of the F-16, enhance interoperability
with USAF systems and further U.S. access to the RMAF. The
AIM-9X, when coupled with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing
System (JHMCS),allows the pilot to engage targets not
captured by the aircraft,s radar, but ones that can be
visually acquired, i.e., if the pilot sees a target within
range, it can be engaged. For full operational capability,
the AIM-9X should be integrated in the current production of
the RMAF,s F-16 C/D aircraft.
3. (C/NF) Effect on Force Structure. The AIM-9X has no
effect on force structure
4. (C/NF) Contribution to both U.S. and Moroccan
Defense/Security Goals. U.S. Government interests will be
served by improving the RMAF,s F-16 armament capability in
order to participate in combined exercises and coalition
operations. Building Partnership Capacity (BPC) is a DoD
core competency and the acquisition of AIM-9X missiles
fulfills this objective. For Moroccan security goals, the
AIM-9X missiles will increase RMAF,s air defense and
deterrent capability.
5. (C/NF) Justification of type and quantity. The choice of
the AIM-9X is consistent with the other capabilities being
procured with the F-16 acquisition. RMAF has purchased
AIM-120C7 missiles, AIM-9M missiles, AGM-88B missiles, JDAM
weapons and the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System. The
AIM-9X complements this F-16 armament acquisition. The
AIM-9X does introduce a new defensive capability when coupled
with the JHMCS. The quantity of 20 live missiles and 10
training missiles meets the RMAF,s needs and is not
considered excessive, as the number of missiles is consistent
with Morocco,s deterrent posture.
6. (C/NF) Reaction of Neighbors. Reaction from the
Government of Algeria may be expected, although this Mission
defers to Embassy Algiers to assess the GOA Reaction. With
the aging of RMAF,s military equipment, Morocco is seeking
to modernize all of its capabilities, including air-to-air
armaments. The acquisition of AIM-9X missiles is consistent
with its modernization plan and deterrent posture. The
Governments of Mauritania and Spain would possibly take note
of the sale, but both countries enjoy good relations with
Morocco.
7. (U) Ability to Account, Safeguard, Operate, Maintain, and
Support. Excellent. Morocco currently has a wide variety of
classified and sensitive U.S. origin equipment and has
demonstrated considerable expertise in its security,
maintenance and operations. Morocco was recently offered a
Communications Interoperability and Security Memorandum of
Agreement (CISMOA) by DoD, which upon signature, stipulates
that Morocco will safeguard all U.S. origin sensitive
military communication security items and equipment.
8. (C/NF) Training Requirements. The RMAF will have
loading, maintenance and pilot training requirements. Those
requirements will be definitized after signature of a Letter
of Offer and Acceptance.
9. (C/NF) Impact of In-Country U.S. Forces. We anticipate
no need for additional in-country staff support.
10. (C/NF) Source of Financing. Morocco states it will use
national funds.
11. (U) Human Rights Impact. As noted in the 2008 Country
Reports on Human Rights Practices, Morocco,s human rights
situation has improved considerably although problems remain.
During the reign of King Mohammed VI, in particular,
increased freedoms and rights have been given to women.
While violations continue, we do not now perceive the
Moroccan Air Force to be a human rights abuser. Post sees
little risk that these missiles could be used for human
rights violations.
12. (U) End-Use Monitoring Plan. OSC Rabat has an End-Use
Monitoring Plan in effect and will ensure all sensitive items
are accounted for and disposed of in accordance with US
regulations.
13. (U) Approval Recommendation. Embassy Rabat recommends
approval of sale of 20 AIM-9X missiles and 10 AIM-9X training
missiles. Modernizing the RMAF,s armament is consistent
with USG objectives and the AIM-9X foreign military sale
continues our support of the Government of Morocco's security
and regional stability.
14. (U) OSC POC is Capt CJ Johnson, Rabat commercial
telephone: 212 661-09-6117.
*****************************************
Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website;
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Moro cco
*****************************************
Jackson