Cablegate: Action Request: U.S. Weapons Release to Iraq -

VZCZCXRO8975
OO RUEHBC RUEHDA RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK
DE RUEHGB #3679/01 3101114
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 061114Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4237
INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC PRIORITY
RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 003679

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: IZ MARR MCAP MOPS PGOV PINS PNAT PTER
SUBJECT: ACTION REQUEST: U.S. WEAPONS RELEASE TO IRAQ -
ANV-20/20 FOCUSING SYSTEM

1. (U) This is an action request. Please see para 10.

2. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Country Team requests the immediate
release of ANV-20/20 NVD Infinity Focus System (NSN:
6625-01-431-8615) to the Government of Iraq. The system will
be used by the Iraqi Air Force, the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism
Command and Coalition Forces to train and equip a select
number of Iraqi pilots for night operations. This training
will advance nighttime operational effectiveness while
reducing collateral damage risk. The pilots are in training
with Coalition Forces right now, and the latter are projected
to integrate this equipment into training beginning in
December 2007. The USG will fund this as part of an
estimated $1.5M acquisition for Night Vision Devices (NVD)
through an ISFF Funded Foreign Military Sales case. END
SUMMARY.

Description of Technology for Release
-------------------------------------

3. (SBU) ANV-20/20 NVD Infinity Focus Systems ensure proper
focus for high quality binocular image clarity essential for
safe nighttime operations. They ensure the NVDs operate
correctly which directly aids in the selection and clear
identification the enemy and reduces the possibility of
collateral damage.

Rationale for Technology Release
--------------------------------

4. (SBU) The Iraqi Armed Forces are in urgent need of a
viable aviation night vision capability that will allow them
to safely and effectively support Iraqi Security Force and
Coalition Force night operations-particularly in conjunction
with Coalition Special Operations Forces. Release of the
ANV-20/20 NVD Infinity Focus System will greatly enhance
their ability to conduct counter-terrorism missions, improve
interoperability with Coalition forces, and improve their
ability to maintain their own defense and security. Fielding
a modern capable night vision capability contributes to
eventual Coalition advisory transition of Iraqi aviation
assets to independent operations.

Iraq Safeguarding Sensitive Technology
--------------------------------------

5. (SBU) Iraq has demonstrated the intent and ability to
protect sensitive, classified military technology since
working with U.S. and Coalition forces. An Article 505
agreement (signed by the GOI July 24, 2004) demonstrates
Iraq's commitment to protect grant defense articles and
technology similar to our standards. Additionally, a
Memorandum of Agreement for Compliance for the Storage,
Security and Inventory of Night Vision Devices was signed by
the Iraqi MOD, 18 November 2005. We will continue to mentor
the GOI on their protection of sensitive USG technology in
order to provide long-term cooperation with Iraq. We also
will obtain all necessary formal agreements with the GOI
before transferring any sensitive equipment or technology.
Lastly, we will continue to carry out a robust end-use
monitoring (EUM) through the GOLDEN SENTRY program.

Anticipated Reaction from Neighboring Nations
---------------------------------------------

6. (SBU) We do not anticipate the release of ANV-20/20 NVD
Infinity Focus System to the Government of Iraq to adversely
affect the regional balance of power or cause negative
reactions from neighboring nations, as this system is already
fielded in many countries of the region.

Iraq's Political Importance to the Region
-----------------------------------------

7. (SBU) A stable, democratically-elected Iraqi government,
capable of protecting its people and sovereignty, and
remaining at peace with its neighbors is one of the USG's
highest priorities. The release and employment of ANV-20/20
NVD Infinity Focus Systems will facilitate progress toward
this goal, advancing the Iraqi security forces' ability to
identify, target and carry out night operations against
anti-Iraqi forces while reducing the risk to self and others.

Source of Financing and Economic Impact
---------------------------------------

BAGHDAD 00003679 002 OF 002

8. (SBU) This purchase will be financed as part of a NVD
purchase using Iraqi Security Forces Funds. The total cost
of the entire package is estimated at $1.5M. There is no
significant economic impact anticipated to be generated by
this sale.

Relevant Human Rights Considerations
------------------------------------

9. (SBU) There are no human rights considerations that should
preclude the release of the defense equipment to the Iraqi
Armed Forces.

Action Request
--------------

10. (SBU) We request immediate Washington approval for the
release of the ANV-20/20 NVD Infinity Focus System to the
Government of Iraq.
CROCKER

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