Arms Sales Notification

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such an annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.

Hon. James E. Risch, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: Pursuant to the reporting requirements of Section 36(b)(5)(A) of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), as amended, we are forwarding Transmittal No. OP-24. This notification relates to enhancements or upgrades from the level of sensitivity of technology or capability described in the Section 36(b)(1) AECA certification 24-19 of February 15, 2024. Sincerely, Michael F. Miller, Director.

Enclosure. Transmittal No. OP-24 Report of Enhancement or Upgrade of Sensitivity of Technology or Capability (Sec. 36(b)(5)(a), AECA)

(i) Purchaser: Government of Italy.

(ii) Sec. 36(b)(1), AECA Transmittal No.: 24-19; Date: February 15, 2024; Implementing Agency: Air Force.

(iii) Description: On February 15, 2024, Congress was notified by congressional certification transmittal number 24-19 of the possible sale, under Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, of twenty-four (24) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). Also included were Common Munitions Built-in-Test (BIT)/ Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); ADU-891 adaptor group test sets; AMRAAM containers and support equipment; integration and test support and equipment; munitions support and support equipment; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; contractor logistics support; classified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost was $69.3 million. Major Defense Equipment (MDE) constituted $56.7 million of this total.

This transmittal reports the addition of the following MDE items: four (4) AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM missiles; two (2) AIM-120D- 3 AMRAAM Integrated Test Vehicles (ITV); and two (2) AIM- 120D-3 AMRAAM guidance sections, including precise position capability provided by either Selective Availability Anti- Spoofing Module or M-Code. Also included are non-MDE classified software delivery and support; Captive Air Training Missile (CATM) AIM-120C training missiles; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total value of the new items is $49 million. The estimated MDE value will increase by $16 million to a revised $72.7 million. The estimated non-MDE value will increase by $33 million to a revised $45.6 million. The estimated total case value will increase by $49 million to a revised $118.3 million.

(iv) Significance: This notification is being provided because the additional MDE items were not enumerated in the original notification. The inclusion of this MDE represents an increase in capability over what was previously notified. The proposed sale will improve Italy's F-35 weapons capabilities.

(v) Justification: This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

(vi) Sensitivity of Technology: The AIM-120D-series AMRAAM is a supersonic, air-launched, aerial intercept, guided missile featuring digital technology and micro-miniature, solid-state electronics. AMRAAM capabilities include look- down/shoot-down, multiple launches against multiple targets, resistance to electronic countermeasures, and interception of high and low-flying and maneuvering targets. The AIM-120D features a quadrangle target detection device and an electronics unit within the guidance section that performs all radar signal processing, mid-course and terminal guidance, flight control, target detection, and warhead detonation.

The Sensitivity of Technology Statement contained in the original notification applies to additional items reported here.

The highest level of classification of defense articles, components, and services included in this potential sale is SECRET.

(vii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: March 3, 2025.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source