VZCZCXYZ0001
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHEG #1126/01 1560709
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 040709Z JUN 08
FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9434
RHMFIUU/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
RHMFISS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS CAIRO 001126
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ELA AND PM/RSAT
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MASS MARR EG
SUBJECT: EGYPT: COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF TWO
(2) UH-60M BLACK HAWK HELICOPTERS TO SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT OF EGYPT
(GOE) SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) MISSION.
REF: A. EGYPTIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE LETTER OF REQUEST (07-150) FOR
PRICING AND AVAILABLITY (P), DATED 02 SEPT 07.
B. EGYPTIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE LETTER OF REQUEST (08-075) FOR
LETTER OF OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE (LOA), DATED 29 MAR 08.
C. MEMORANDUM FOR EGYPTIAN ARMAMENT AUTHORITY; SUBJECT: REQUIREMENTS
FOR LOR SUBMISSION, DATED 7 APR 08.
Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU). Please protect accordingly.
1. (SBU) Description. In REF B, the GOE submitted a request to
procure two UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters to augment the Egyptian
Air Force (EAF) Search and Rescue capability. This capability will
directly support the GOE National Crisis Response Plan. The primary
role of these designated SAR aircraft is to perform time critical
tasks associated with civil/military accidents, natural disasters,
and humanitarian relief efforts. These helicopters will augment a
dedicated military reaction force that will ultimately be part of a
National Crisis Response Network, consisting of both civilian and
military assets. These aircraft will be utilized and perform
missions in conjunction with the Egyptian Search and Rescue Center
(ESARC). These missions will be in compliance with the standards
and regulations outlined within the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Additional information is available at www.mmc.gov.eg. The GOE
desired end-state of its SAR capabilities and ultimate Crisis
Response Network, is to replicate the U.S. Department of Defense
(DOD) and the Federal Government's Emergency Operations Centers, but
at a much smaller scale.
2. (SBU) Reason and justification for customer's request. The EAF
recently established a military Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations
Center located at Al Maza Air Base. The primary function of this
operations center is to coordinate with the various Division and
Wing Commanders for aircraft support. The SAR Headquarters can
coordinate for limited rotary (MI-17, SH-2G) and fixed wing (C-130)
assets to support this mission. The Area of Responsibility (AOR) is
currently too large for organic assets assigned to the SAR mission
to cover without additional aircraft. No organic capability exists
for over-water and night SAR missions. This urgent procurement has
GOE Presidential visibility and has been discussed in detail at the
recent Financial Management Review (FMR) and Military Cooperation
Conference (MCC). The UH-60M (Black Hawk) helicopter with SAR
package was identified by the U.S. Army and Blackhawk Program
Manager as a suitable rotary-wing platform to support the GOE
specific Mission Requirements. This action will assist in the
modernization of the EAF to ensure safe flight operations,
individual aviator proficiency and the overall readiness of the EAF
SAR Operations Center. The UH-60M (Black Hawk) helicopter will
improve the EAF capability to potentially operate with U.S. and
Coalition Forces in Regional Crisis Response and Humanitarian Relief
efforts. These aircraft are currently in the U.S. Army inventory
and will be more easily sustainable through the U.S. supply system.
3. (SBU) System description and Impact to Force Structure.
The primary mission of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is as a troop
carrier and logistical support aircraft. However, the helicopter
can be configured to carry out Medical Evacuation,
Command-and-Control, Search-and-Rescue, Armed Escort, Electronic
Warfare and Executive Transport Missions. The UH-60M features new
wide chord composite spar main rotor blades (500lb more lift),
strengthened fuselage and advanced infrared suppression. The
fly-by-wire glass cockpit has a digitized 1553 bus-based avionics
suite with four multi-function displays, four-axis fully coupled
autopilot, two electronic flight management systems, digital moving
map and Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IHVMS). The
new T700-GE-701D engine is more powerful and provides additional
lift during sling load operations. Recent enhancements to this
helicopter will significantly increase the EAF day/night SAR
capability and will only add two additional airframes to their
current force structure.
4. (SBU) Will the procurement of UH-60M SAR aircraft contribute to
both U.S. and Egyptian defense/security goals? Aircraft sales are
consistent with DOD's Security Cooperation Guidance as it enhances
the territorial security and crisis response capabilities of
regional states. It assists the U.S. in enabling allies and
partners and protecting U.S. and partner interests. It also
supports the modernization and transformation of allies or partners
to reduce their vulnerability to external military sales. Finally,
it improves their ability to operate independently over-water or at
night without significant reliance on U.S. or coalition Forces.
5. (SBU) Justification for type/quantity of aircraft requested.
A detailed analysis and review of several suitable airframes was
completed by EAF with input from the Utility Cargo Helicopter Office
(UPHO) and Cargo Helicopter Program Manager. Their findings
revealed that the UH-60M Black Hawk with SAR package would be an
excellent airframe to support the SAR mission. The procurement of
these two aircraft is the first step, since the original initiative
in 1983, in standing up a Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC)
with permanently assigned personnel and equipment. The
establishment of the GOE National Crisis Response Network will
inevitably demand additional procurements of fixed and rotary-wing
aircraft in future years.
6. (SBU) Combatant Commander's concurrence to the introduction of a
new Humanitarian and Disaster Relief capability to the nation or
region. Combatant Commander's concurrence will be provided
separately.
7. (SBU) Anticipated reactions of the neighboring nations.
The procurement of these additional SAR aircraft should not
influence the regional balance of power or cause negative reactions
from any of Egypt's neighbors. This procurement introduces a
limited increase of technology to Egypt, but does not introduce new
technology to the region. Several regional allies have recently
purchased identical airframes through the Foreign Military Sales
(FMS) or Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) programs with U.S.
concurrence. These assets will greatly enhance Egypt's ability to
participate in combined Regional Humanitarian or Disaster Relief
efforts. This procurement will not impact Israel's qualitative
military edge.
8. (SBU) Assessment of the nation's ability to ensure proper
funding, accountability, sustainability and security of assets. The
GOE has demonstrated the intent and ability to protect sensitive,
classified military technology over an extended period. Egypt
signed a General Security of Information Agreement with the U.S. and
as a customer, has purchased and protected the sensitive technology
of other U.S. weapons systems. Egypt has procured similar
rotary-wing aircraft in the past to include eight (8) UH-60L
Blackhawk helicopters that currently provide VIP support to the GOE
President. The EAF has met all previous security and End Use
monitoring (EUM) requirements.
9. (SBU) Training required either in country or in the U.S. and
anticipated reactions resulting from the presence of U.S. trainer's
in country. The EAF already maintains a squadron of eight (8)
UH-60L Helicopters and maintains sufficient numbers of trained
aircrews. The EAF pilots currently complete all UH-60 Black Hawk
Aviator Qualification Courses (AQC) in the U.S. The only exception
would be specialized SAR training for the aircrews, taught by a
Mobile Training Team (MTT). The presence of this additional MTT
would have little anticipated reaction because of the permanent
Security Assistance Teams (SATs) already assigned in country.
10. (SBU) Source of financing and the economic impact of the
proposed acquisition. Egypt plans to procure these two aircraft
utilizing Foreign Military Financing and has already allocated
sufficient funds within their FY08/09 budget. This acquisition is
essential for the National SAR capability and is on the Egyptian
Armament Authority (EAA) Priority List.
11. (SBU) Human rights considerations relevant to the proposed
acquisition. None.
12. (SBU) Plan for end-use monitoring and plan for compliance
verification. The Office of Military Cooperation (OMC) Egypt has a
robust Golden Sentry Program. The Golden Sentry Program
representative and Security Assistance Officer (SAO) responsible for
the program, will coordinate for the review and maintenance of
required documentation. All parties will maintain serial number
lists of all components within the inventory or transferred, and
will conduct the mandated inspections as required. This
coordination will ensure that historical copies of all EUM
Inspection results and customers' physical security and
accountability control plans remain on file. The Egyptian military
currently has over 100 helicopters (FMS) of various configurations
in country. Egypt has maintained accountability and security of
these aircraft without unauthorized loss, theft, or access to date.
The GOE has indicated a willingness to meet U.S. guidelines for
accountability and security of these advanced aircraft, and the
Office of Military Cooperation will conduct End Use Monitoring (EUM)
of all required components if this request is approved.
13. (SBU) Operational Plan and specific end-users. The operational
plan for these aircraft is to augment a dedicated military reaction
force that will ultimately be part of a National Crisis Response
Network, consisting of both civilian and military assets. The GOE
has already established a Search and Rescue Committee consisting of
the representatives from the following Ministries: Foreign Affairs,
Health, Transportation, Communications, Civil Affairs and Social
Affairs. This action will assist in the modernization of the EAF to
ensure safe flight operations, individual aviator proficiency and
the overall readiness of the EAF SAR Operations Center. Finally, it
improves their ability to perform SAR mission essential tasks at
night without significant reliance on U.S. or coalition Forces.
14. (SBU) Recommendation whether the USG should approve the request
to procure additional rotary-wing aircraft. The country team
recommends USG approval for the GOE procurement of two (2) UH-60M
Black Hawk SAR helicopters. This is a coordinated mission
position.
SCOBEY
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