Arms Sales Notification
Floor Speech
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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. 01-25. 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 17-13 of April 27, 2017. Sincerely, Michael F. Miller, Director.
Enclosure. Transmittal No. 01-25 Report of Enhancement or Upgrade of Sensitivity of Technology or Capability (Sec. 36(b)(5)(A), AECA)
(i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of New Zealand.
(ii) Sec. 36(b)(1), AECA Transmittal No.: 17-13, Date: April 27, 2017; Implementing Agency: Navy.
(iii) Description: On April 27, 2017, Congress was notified by congressional certification transmittal number 17-13, of the possible sale, under Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, of four (4) P-8A Patrol Aircraft, which included: eight (8) Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS JTRS) (1 for each aircraft, 2 for the ground operations support center, and 2 spares); five (5) Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (GLTA) for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Counter Measures (LAIRCM) system (1 for each aircraft, 1 spare); five (5) System Processors for AN/AAQ-24(V)N LAIRCM system (1 for each aircraft, 1 spare); thirty (30) AN/AAR-54 Missile Warning Sensors for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N LAIRCM system (6 for each aircraft, 6 spares); ten (10) LN-251 with Embedded Global Positioning Systems (GPS)/Inertial Navigations Systems (EGIs) (2 for each aircraft, 2 spares). The following non-MDE items were also included: Commercial engines; Tactical Open Mission Software (TOMS); Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) MX-20HD; AN/AAQ-2(V)1 Acoustic System; AN/APY-10 Radar; ALQ-240 Electronic Support Measures; support equipment; operation support systems; maintenance trainer/classrooms; publications; software, engineering, and logistics technical assistance; foreign liaison officer support, contractor engineering technical services; repair and return; transportation; aircraft ferry; and other associated training, support equipment and services. The estimated total cost was $1.46 billion. Major Defense Equipment (MDE) constituted $1.03 billion of this total.
This transmittal notifies the inclusion of the following additional MDE items: one (1) Guardian Laser Transmitter Assembly (GLTA) for AN/AAQ-24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system; and one (1) system processor replacement for AN/AAQ-24(V)N LAIRCM system. The following non-MDE items will also be included: AN/ALE-47 electronic countermeasures dispenser; AN/ALQ-213 electronic countermeasures tactical threat display; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost of the new items is $2.28 million, but will not require an increase in the previously notified total case value. The estimated non-MDE value will remain $0.43 billion. The estimated total case value will remain at $1.46 billion. MDE will continue to constitute $1.03 billion of this total.
(iv) Significance: The inclusion of this MDE represents an increase in capability over what was previously notified. The proposed articles and/or services will support New Zealand in maintaining its current force projection capability and enhances interoperability with U.S. forces well into the future.
(v) Justification: This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Asia-Pacific region. The proposed sale will improve New Zealand's capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing its current airlift capability.
(vi) Sensitivity of Technology: The AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Set (CMDS) provides an integrated threat-adaptive, computer-controlled capability for dispensing chaff, flares, and active radio frequency expendables. The AN/ALE-47 system enhances aircraft survivability in sophisticated threat environments. The threats countered by the CMDS include radar-directed anti- aircraft artillery (AAA), radar command-guided missiles, radar homing guided missiles, and infrared (IR) guided missiles. The system is internally mounted and may be operated as a stand-alone system or may be integrated with other on-board electronic warfare (EW) and avionics systems. The AN/ALE-47 uses threat data received over the aircraft interfaces to assess the threat situation and determine a response. Expendable routines tailored to the immediate aircraft and threat environment may be dispensed.
The AN/ALQ-213 is the electronic warfare management system (EWMS) for the P-8A electronic warfare self-protection (EWSP) suite.
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: July 17, 2025.
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