Cablegate: Embassy Cairo

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PP RUEHAST RUEHDH RUEHHM RUEHLN RUEHMA RUEHPB RUEHPOD RUEHSL RUEHTM
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DE RUEHEG #1802/01 2591508
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 161508Z SEP 09
FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3643
INFO RUEHZN/ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEAUSA/DEPT OF HHS WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEHPH/CDC ATLANTA GA PRIORITY

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 CAIRO 001802

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AIAG (DAVID WINN), NEA/ELA
DEPT PASS TO AID (DENNIS CARROLL)

E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO KFLU KSTH PGOV EAGR CASC PREL EAID EG

SUBJECT:

EGYPT: COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT FOR THE PRICING AND AVAILABILITY REQUEST FOR 161 NVG SETS FOR THE EGYPTIAN AIR FORCE F-16 FLEET INCLUDING MODIFICATION OF 137 F-16 AIRCRAFT TO NVG-COMPATIBILITY IN SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF EGYPT NATIONAL DEFENSE MISSION REF: A. EGYPTIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE LETTER OF REQUEST (08-184) FOR PRICE AND AVAILABILITY DATED 12 DEC 08. Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU). Please protect accordingly.
1.(SBU) Description. REF A is the GOE request for pricing and availability of 161 Night Vision Goggles (NVG) sets and the modification of 137 F-16 aircraft to an NVG compatible configuration to support their national defense mission.

2.(SBU) Reason the purchaser desires the articles or services. The procurement of these NVGs will help the EAF achieve a full range of vision during night flights. This will improve the Egyptian Air Force's (EAF) flight safety at night and will enhance their ability to identify targets at night.

3. (SBU) How the articles or services would affect the recipient's force structure. These NVGs and the modifications of the aircraft will increase the EAF capability to operate more safely and effectively at night.

4. (SBU) How the articles or services would contribute to both the U.S. and the recipient's defense/security goals. NVG sales are consistent with DOD's Security Cooperation Guidance as it enhances the territorial security of regional states. It also supports two of CENTCOM's Security Cooperation objectives for Egypt: (1) enabling allies and partners, and (2) protecting U.S. and partner interests. This NVG capability will also support two of CENTCOM's Security Cooperation Desired Effects (SCDE) for Egypt: -- SCDE 3.2 "Support the defense modernization and transformation of allies or partners to reduce their vulnerability to external aggression and coercion" -- SCDE 4.2 "Improve their capability to operate independently or as part of a coalition with U.S. Forces"

5. (SBU) Justification for the type and quantity of articles or services requested. A site survey conducted by the USG will be required to determine the appropriate type of NVGs to support the EAF mission. 24 of the requested 161 sets will provision the 24 new F-16 aircraft that the EAF currently has requested. The remaining 137 sets will provision 29 Block 15 F-16s, 29 Block 32 F-16s and 79 Block 40 F-16s.

6.(SBU) Combatant Commander's concurrence to the introduction of a new warfighting 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 NVGs may influence the regional balance of power and cause negative reactions from Egypt's neighbors. While it does not introduce new technology to Egypt or the region, it does introduce new/enhanced capability.

8.(SBU) Assessment of the nation's ability to account for, safeguard, operate, maintain, and support the articles. The Egyptians have 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 night vision technology in the past to include the AN/ANVS-6(V)1 and has met all previous security and End Use monitoring (EUM) requirements.

9. (SBU) Training required either in-country or in the United States and anticipated reactions resulting from the presence of U.S. trainers in country. A Mobile Training Team will likely be required to train the Egyptians on the use and care of these NVGs. There is no other additional presence that will be required beyond normal U.S. interaction and training (ETSS) with the individual EAF aircrews.

10.(SBU) Possible impact of any in-country U.S. presence that might be required as a result of providing the article. U.S. Government civilian personnel and U.S. contractors are permanently assigned to Egypt to support the current EAF F-16 program. Those US positions have been filled for years. There is an anticipated short-term presence of the Mobile Training Team of US personnel in-country that would be necessary to provide training for the There is no expected negative impact that would result from these additional Americans being in Egypt.

11.(SBU) Source of financing and the economic impact of the proposed acquisition. Egypt plans to pay for the aircraft modifications and procure the NVGs utilizing Foreign Military Financing. The Egyptian Government will only request A Letter of Offer and Acceptance if the cost meets their established budget. Egypt is not planning to use national funds to pay for any portion of this procurement.

12.(SBU) Human rights considerations relevant to the proposed acquisition. None.

13.(SBU) A plan for end-use monitoring for sensitive and advanced warfighting technology and the SAO's plan for compliance verification. The Office of Military Cooperation (OMC) Egypt has a robust Golden Sentry Program. The Golden Sentry point of contact, working in close coordination with the security assistance program officer, will review and maintain copies of the customer's physical security and accountability control plan. All parties will maintain a serial number list of all NVGs within the inventory or transferred, and will conduct the mandated and inspections as required. The Egyptian military currently has over 2500 Night Vision Devices of various configurations in-country and has maintained accountability and security of those devices without unauthorized loss, theft, or access to date.

14.(SBU) Recommendation whether the USG should approve transfer of the article and justification. The country team recommends USG approval for Pricing and Availability of the NVGs and aircraft modifications. This is a coordinated mission position.

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