COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT IN SUPPORT OF AIM-9X

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 000743 SIPDIS STATE FOR PM, NEA/RA, DRL/NESCA AND NEA/MAG E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/01/2019 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 to the Kingdom of Morocco. ¶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. The AIM-9X would support the F-16s. 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 an OSD 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. The 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 their 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 the 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 recently noted in the U.S. 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 human rights violations continue, we do not now perceive the Moroccan Air Force to be a human rights violator. 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 the 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. C.J. Johnson, Rabat commercial tel. 212 661-09-6117. ***************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Moro cco ***************************************** Jackson