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)(C) of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), as amended, we are forwarding Transmittal No. 25-0O. This transmittal notifies a cost increase in excess of the total value previously described in the Section 36(b)(1) AECA certification 23-42 of September 20, 2023. Sincerely, Michael F. Miller, Director.

Enclosure. transmittal no. 25-0O Report of Enhancement or Upgrade of Sensitivity of Technology or Capability (Sec. 36(b)(5)(C), AECA)

(i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Kuwait.

(ii) Sec. 36(b)(1), AECA Transmittal No.: 23-42; Date: September 20, 2023; Implementing Agency: Army; Funding Source: National Funds.

(iii) Description: On September 20, 2023, Congress was notified by congressional certification transmittal number 23-42 of the possible sale, under Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, of the replacement of expiring limited life components and certifications testing in order to support an operational life of thirty (30) years for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles. Included in this potential sale were: test and repair of PAC-3 missiles; stockpile reliability testing and field returns; repair and return of classified and unclassified PAC-3 missile items and ground support equipment (GSE) component level parts; replenishment of classified and unclassified missile spares, GSE spares, and seeker spares; tools to improve the turnaround time of the repair and recertification efforts; air transportation services for missile processing; U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support; training devices; organizational equipment; support equipment; test equipment; technical data and publications; personnel training and training equipment; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost was $150 million. There was no Major Defense Equipment (MDE) associated with this sale.

This transmittal notifies an increase in non-MDE value by $100 million, due to recent cost increases. There are no additional MDE or non-MDE items being reported with this notification. The estimated non-MDE and total case values will increase by $100 million to a revised $250 million.

(iv) Significance: Recent cost increases have brought about the need to add value to the original notification. The proposed value increase will improve Kuwait's capability to meet current and future threats.

(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 major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

(vi) Sensitivity of Technology: None.

(vii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: July 17, 2025.

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