Cablegate: Egypt: Country Team Assessment for the Pricing And

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DE RUEHEG #1800/01 2591335
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O 161335Z SEP 09
FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3640
INFO RHMFIUU/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
RHMFISS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC

UNCLAS CAIRO 001800

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ELA (IRWIN) AND PM (ARCHETTO)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MASS MARR 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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