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. 25-0Z. 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 19-30 of July 26, 2019. Sincerely, Michael F. Miller, Director.

Enclosure. Transmittal No. 25-0Z Report of Enhancement or Upgrade of Sensitivity of Technology or Capability (Sec. 36(b)(5)(C), AECA)

(i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of India.

(ii) Sec. 36(b)(1), AECA Transmittal No.: 19-30; Date: July 26, 2019; Implementing Agency: Air Force.

Funding Source: National Funds.

(iii) Description: On July 26, 2019, Congress was notified by congressional certification transmittal number 19-30 of the possible sale, under Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, of C-17 follow-on support, including spares and repair parts; support equipment; personnel training and training equipment; publications and technical documentation; support and test equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost was $670 million. There was no Major Defense Equipment (MDE) associated with this sale.

On April 2, 2024, Congress was notified by congressional certification transmittal number 24-0C of the addition of the following non-MDE items: follow-on support equipment, including aircraft components, parts, and accessories; precision measurement equipment laboratory calibration; and additional sustainment support, as previously notified. The estimated total value of added non-MDE articles and services was $130 million. The estimated total case value was increased from $670 million to $800 million. There was no MDE associated with this sale.

This transmittal notifies the addition of the following non-MDE items: follow-on sustainment support of the Indian Air Force's C-17 aircraft fleet; major and minor modifications; cartridges, chaffs, and flares; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost of the new items is $1.10 billion. The estimated total case value will increase by $1.10 billion to a revised $1.90 billion. There is no MDE associated with this potential sale.

(iv) Significance: The proposed sale will improve India's capability to meet current and future threats by supporting maintenance and operation of its C-17 aircraft fleet.

(v) Justification: This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-India strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defense partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.

(vi) Date Report Delivered to Congress: July 25, 2025.

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