[Pages S2275-S2277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION

Mr. MENENDEZ. 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 available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to
have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received.
If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is
available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations
Committee, room SD-423.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:

Defense Security

Cooperation Agency,

Washington, DC.
Hon. Robert Menendez,
Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations,
U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: Pursuant to the reporting requirements
of Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as
amended, we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. 23-49,
concerning the Air Force's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and
Acceptance to the Government of the Czech Republic for
defense articles and services estimated to cost $5.62
billion. We will issue a news release to notify the public of
this proposed sale upon delivery of this letter to your
office.
Sincerely,
James A. Hursch,
Director.
Enclosures.

Transmittal No. 23-49

Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to
Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as
amended
(i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of the Czech
Republic.
(ii) Total Estimated Value:
Major Defense Equipment * $3.09 billion.
Other $2.53 billion.
Total $5.62 billion.
Funding Source: National Funds.
(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
Twenty-four (24) F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional
Take Off and Landing (CTOL) Aircraft.
Twenty-five (25) Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 Engines (24
installed, 1 spare) Seventy (70) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium
Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM).
Three (3) AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM Guidance Sections.
Eighty-six (86) GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bombs--Increment II
(SDB-11) StormBreaker All-Up-Rounds (AUR).
Two (2) GBU-53 SDB-II Guided Test Vehicles (GTV).
Three (3) GBU-53 SDB-II Captive Carry Reliability Trainers
(CCRT).
Twelve (12) Mk-84 General Purpose 2,000-lb Bombs or BLU-109
2,000-lb Penetrator Bombs for the GBU-31.
Twelve (12) KMU-556/KMU-557 Joint Direct Attack Munition
(JDAM) Tail Kits for the GBU-31.
Fifty (50) AIM-9X Block II/II+ Tactical Sidewinder
Missiles.
Ten (10) AIM-9X Block II Tactical Sidewinder Guidance
Units.
Eighteen (18) AIM-9X Block II Tactical Sidewinder Captive
Air Training Missiles (CATM).
Four (4) AIM-9X Block II CATM Guidance Units.
Non-MDE:
Also included are AIM-120 AMRAAM CATMs, control section
spares, and containers; AIM-9 multi-purpose/dummy air
training missiles and containers; DSU-41B Active Optical
Target Detectors; Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) trainer
tail kits; FMU-139 Joint Programmable Fuzes; AN/PYQ-10 Simple
Key Loaders (SKL); ALE-70 Radio Frequency Countermeasures
(RFCM) Transmitters; Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
equipment; electronic warfare (EW) data and Reprogramming Lab
support; impulse cartridges, chaff, and flares; Common
Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT)/Reprogramming Equipment
(CMBRE); Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated
Devices (CAD/PAD); Contractor Logistics Support (CLS);
classified software and software development, delivery, and
integration support; transportation, ferry, and refueling
support; ammunition and weapons components; aircraft and
munitions support and support equipment; integration and test
support and equipment; aircraft engine Component Improvement
Program (CIP) support; secure communications, precision
navigation, and cryptographic equipment; spare and repair
parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return
support; in-country facilities and construction support;
major and minor modifications, maintenance, and maintenance
support; classified and unclassified personnel training and
training gear and equipment; classified and unclassified
publications and technical documents; studies and surveys;
U.S. Government and engineering, technical, and logistics
support services; and other related elements of logistical
and program support.
(iv) Military Department: Air Force (EZ-D-SAB, EZ-D-YAC,
EZ-D-YAD); Navy (EZ-P-LCS, EZ-P-AAA).
(v) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Offered, or Agreed
to be Paid: None known at this time.
(vi) Sensitivity of Technology Contained in the Defense
Article or Defense Services Proposed to be Sold: See Attached
Annex.
(vii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: June 29, 2023.
*As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control
Act.

POLICY JUSTIFICATION

Czech Republic--F-35 and Munitions

The Government of the Czech Republic has requested to buy
twenty-four (24) F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take
Off and Landing (CTOL) Aircraft; twenty-five (25) Pratt &
Whitney F135-PW-100 Engines (24 installed, 1 spare); seventy
(70) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles
(AMRAAM); three (3) AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM Guidance Sections;
eighty-six (86) GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bombs--Increment II
(SDB-II) StormBreaker A11-Up-Rounds (AUR); two (2) GBU-53
SDB-II Guided Test Vehicles (GTV); three (3) GBU-53 SDB-II
Captive Carry Reliability Trainers (CCRT); twelve (12) Mk-84
General Purpose 2,000-lb Bombs or BLU-109 2,000-lb Penetrator
Bombs for the GBU-31; twelve (12) KMU-556/KMU-557 Joint
Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) Tail Kits for the GBU-31; fifty
(50) AIM-9X Block II/II+ Tactical Sidewinder Missiles; ten
(10) AIM-9X Block II Tactical Sidewinder Guidance Units;
eighteen (18) AIM-9X Block II Tactical Sidewinder Captive Air
Training Missiles (CATM); and four (4) AIM-9X Block II CATM
Guidance Units. Also included are AIM-120 AMRAAM CATMs,
control section spares, and containers; AIM-9 multi-purpose/
dummy air training missiles and containers; DSU-41B Active
Optical Target Detectors; Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM)
trainer tail kits; FMU-139 Joint Programmable Fuzes; AN/PYQ-
10 Simple Key Loaders (SKL); Radio Frequency Countermeasures
(RFCM) Transmitters; Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
equipment; electronic warfare (EW) data and Reprogramming Lab
support; impulse cartridges, chaff, and flares; Common
Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT)/Reprogramming Equipment
(CMBRE); Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated
Devices (CAD/PAD); Contractor Logistics Support (CLS);
classified software and software development, delivery, and
integration support; transportation, ferry, and refueling
support; ammunition and weapons components; aircraft and
munitions support and support equipment; integration and test
support and equipment; aircraft engine Component Improvement
Program (CIP) support;

[[Page S2276]]

secure communications, precision navigation, and
cryptographic equipment; spare and repair parts, consumables,
accessories, and repair and return support; in-country
facilities and construction support; major and minor
modifications, maintenance, and maintenance support;
classified and unclassified personnel training and training
gear and equipment; classified and unclassified publications
and technical documents; studies and surveys; U.S. Government
and engineering, technical, and logistics support services;
and other related elements of logistical and program support.
The estimated total cost is $5.62 billion.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and
national security objectives of the United States by helping
to improve the security of a North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) Ally that is a force for political
stability and economic progress in Europe.
The proposed sale will improve the Czech Republic's defense
capabilities as well as support NATO operations by guarding
against modern threats and maintaining a constant presence in
the region. The Czech Republic will have no difficulty
absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not
alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be Lockheed Martin
Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth, TX; Raytheon Missiles and
Defense, Tucson, AZ; and The Boeing Company, St. Louis, MO.
The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset
agreement will be defined in negotiations between the
purchaser and the contractor.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the
assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor
representatives to the Czech Republic.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness
as a result of this proposed sale.

transmittal no. 23-49

Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to
Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act

Annex Item No. vii

(vii) Sensitivity of Technology:
1. The F-35A Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL)
aircraft is a single seat, single engine, all-weather,
stealth, fifth-generation multirole aircraft. It contains
sensitive technology including a low observable airframe/
outer mold line, the Pratt and Whitney F135 engine, AN/APG-81
radar, an integrated core processor central computer, a
mission systems/electronic warfare suite, a multiple sensor
suite, and technical data and documentation and associated
software. Sensitive elements of the F-35A are also included
in operational flight and maintenance trainers. Sensitive and
classified elements of the F-35A CTOL aircraft include
hardware, accessories, components, and associated software
for the following major subsystems:
a. The Pratt & Whitney F135 engine is a single 40,000-lb
thrust class engine designed for the F-35 and assures highly
reliable, affordable performance. The engine is designed to
be utilized in all F-35 variants, providing unmatched
commonality and supportability throughout the worldwide base
of F-35 users.
b. The AN/APG-81 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)
is a high processing power and high transmission power
electronic array capable of detecting air and ground targets
from a greater distance than mechanically scanned array
radars. It also contains a synthetic aperture radar (SAR),
which creates high-resolution ground maps and provides both
weather data to the pilot and air and ground tracks to the
mission system, the latter of which is used as a component to
fuse sensor data by the mission system.
c. The Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) provides
long-range detection and tracking, as well as an infrared
search and track (IRST) and forward-looking infrared (FLIR)
capability for precision tracking, weapons delivery, and bomb
damage assessment (BDA). The EOTS replaces multiple separate
internal or podded systems typically found on legacy
aircraft.
d. The Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (EODAS)
provides the pilot with full spherical coverage for air-to-
air and air-to-ground threat awareness, day/night vision
enhancements, a fire control capability and precision
tracking of wingmen and friendly aircraft. The EODAS provides
data directly to the pilot's helmet as well as the mission
system.
e. The F-35 Electronic Warfare (EW) system is a
reprogrammable, integrated system that provides radar warning
and electronic support measures (ESM) along with a fully
integrated countermeasures (CM) system. The EW system is the
primary subsystem used to enhance situational awareness,
targeting support, and self-defense through the search,
intercept, and location and identification of in-band
emitters and to automatically counter infrared (IR) and
radio frequency (RF) threats.
f. The F-35 Command, Control, Communications, Computers and
Intelligence/Communications, Navigation, and Identification
(C41/CNI) system provides the pilot with unmatched
connectivity to flight members, coalition forces, and the
battlefield. lt is an integrated subsystem designed to
provide a broad spectrum of secure, anti-jam voice and data
communications, precision radio navigation and landing
capability, self-identification, beyond visual range target
identification, and connectivity to off-board sources of
information. It also includes an inertial navigation and
global positioning system (GPS) for precise location
information. The functionality is tightly integrated within
the mission system to enhance efficiency.
g. The F-35 C41/CNI system includes two data links: the
Multi-Function Advanced Data Link (MADL) and Link-16. The
MADL is designed specifically for the F-35 and allows for
stealthy communications between F-35s. Link-16 is an advanced
command, control, communications, and intelligence (C3I)
system incorporating jam-resistant, digital communication
links for exchange of near real-time tactical information,
including both data and voice, among air, ground, and sea
elements. It provides the warfighter key theater functions
such as surveillance, identification, air control, weapons
engagement coordination, and direction for all services and
allied forces. Link-16 equipment allows the F-35 to
communicate with legacy aircraft using widely-distributed J-
series message protocols.
h. The F-35 Autonomic Logistics Global Sustainment (ALGS)
provides a fully integrated logistics management solution.
ALGS integrates a number of functional areas, including
supply chain management, repair, support equipment, engine
support, and training. The ALGS infrastructure employs a
state-of-the-art information system that provides real-time,
decision-worthy information for sustainment decisions by
flight line personnel. Prognostic health monitoring
technology is integrated with the air system and is crucial
to predictive maintenance of vital components.
i. The F-35 Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS)
provides an intelligent information infrastructure that binds
all the key concepts of ALGS into an effective support
system. ALIS establishes the appropriate interfaces among the
F-35, the warfighter, the training system, government
information technology (11) systems, and supporting
commercial enterprise systems. Additionally, ALIS provides a
comprehensive tool for data collection and analysis, decision
support, and action tracking.
j. The F-35 Training System includes several training
devices to provide integrated training for pilots and
maintainers. The pilot training devices include a Full
Mission Simulator (FMS) and Deployable Mission Rehearsal
Trainer (DMRT). The maintenance training devices include an
Aircraft Systems Maintenance Trainer (ASMT), Ejection System
Maintenance Trainer (ESMT), Outer Mold Line (OML) Lab,
Flexible Linear Shaped Charge (FLSC) Trainer, Fl35 Engine
Module Trainer, and Weapons Loading Trainer (WLT). The F-35
Training System can be integrated, where both pilots and
maintainers learn in the same Integrated Training Center
(ITC). Alternatively, the pilots and maintainers can train in
separate facilities (Pilot Training Center and Maintenance
Training Center).
k. Other subsystems, features, and capabilities include the
F-35's low observable air frame, Integrated Core Processor
(ICP) Central Computer, Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS),
Pilot Life Support System (LSS), Off-Board Mission Support
(OMS) System, and publications and maintenance manuals. The
HMDS provides a fully sunlight readable biocular display
presentation of aircraft information projected onto the
pilot's helmet visor. The use of a night vision camera
integrated into the helmet eliminates the need for separate
Night Vision Goggles. The Pilot LSS provides a measure of
pilot chemical, biological, and radiological protection
through use of an On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS).
OBOGS takes the Power and Thermal Management System (PTMS)
air and enriches it by removing gases (mainly nitrogen) by
adsorption, thereby increasing the concentration of oxygen in
the product gas and supplying breathable air to the pilot. An
escape system provides additional protection to the pilot.
The OMS provides a mission planning, mission briefing, and a
maintenance, intelligence, and tactical debriefing platform
for the F-35.
2. The AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile
(AMRAAM) is a supersonic, air-launched, aerial intercept
guided missile featuring digital technology and micro-
miniature, solid-state electronics. AMRAAM capabilities
include look-down/shoot-down, multiple launches against
multiple targets, resistance to electronic countermeasures,
and interception of high-and low-flying and maneuvering
targets. This potential sale will include Captive Air
Training Missiles (CATM) as well as AMRAAM guidance sections,
propulsion sections, control sections, telemetry systems, and
warhead, spares.
3. The GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb--Increment II (SDB-II)
StormBreaker All-Up-Round (AUR) is a 250-lb class precision-
guided, semiautonomous, conventional air-to-ground munition
used to defeat moving targets from standoff range and capable
of operating in adverse weather. The SDB-II has deployable
wings and fins and uses Global Positioning System/Inertial
Navigation System (GPS/INS) guidance, network-enabled
datalink (Link-16 and UHF), and a multi-mode seeker
(millimeter wave radar, imaging infrared, semi-active laser)
to autonomously search, acquire, track, and defeat a variety
of moving or stationary targets, at standoff range or close
in, in a variety of attack modes. The SDB-II employs a multi-
effects warhead (blast, fragmentation, and

[[Page S2277]]

shaped-charge) for maximum lethality against armored and soft
targets. The SDB-11 weapon system consists of the tactical
AUR weapon, a 4-place common carriage system, and mission
planning system munitions application program (MAP). This
potential sale includes SDB-11 Guided Test Vehicles (GTV) and
Captive Carry Reliability Trainers (CCRT).
4. Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) consist of a bomb
body paired with a warheadspecific tail kit containing an
Inertial Navigation System (INS)/Global Positioning System
(GPS) guidance capability that converts unguided free-fall
bombs into accurate, adverse weather ``smart'' munitions. The
JDAM weapon can be delivered from modest standoff ranges at
high or low altitudes against a variety of land and surface
targets during the day or night. The JDAM can receive target
coordinates via preplanned mission data from the delivery
aircraft, by onboard aircraft sensors (e.g., FLIR, radar,
etc.) during captive carry, or from a third-party source via
manual or automated aircrew cockpit entry. This potential
sale will include either of the following variants as well as
JDAM trainer tail kits.
a. The GBU-3 lvl is a 2,000-lb JDAM, consisting of a KMU-
556 tail kit and BLU-117 or Mk-84 bomb body.
b. The GBU-3lv3 is a 2,000-lb JDAM, consisting of a KMU-557
tail kit and BLU-109 bomb body.
5. The AIM-9X Block II and Block II+ Tactical Sidewinder
Missiles represent a substantial increase in missile
acquisition and kinematics performance over the AIM-9M and
replaces the AIM-9X Block I Missile configuration. The
missiles include a high off-boresight seeker, enhanced
countermeasure rejection capability, a low drag and high
angle of attack airframe, and the ability to integrate with a
helmet mounted cueing system. The software algorithms are the
most sensitive portion of the AIM-9X missile. The software
continues to be modified via a System improvement Program
(SIP) to improve counter-countermeasure capabilities. This
potential sale will include AIM-9X CATMs, multipurpose/dummy
training missiles, guidance and control section spares,
containers, and DSU-41B Active Optical Target Detectors
(AOTD).
6. The FMU-139 Joint Programmable Fuze (JPF) is a multi-
delay, multi-arm, and proximity sensor compatible with
general purpose blast, frag, and hardened-target penetrator
weapons. The JPF settings are cockpit selectable in flight
when used with numerous precision-guided weapons.
7. The AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader is a portable, hand-held
device used for securely receiving, storing, and transferring
data between compatible cryptographic and communications
equipment.
8. The ALE-70 is a radio frequency countermeasure (RFCM)
transmitter dispenser system designed to fit into the F-35
Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft. The ALE-70 consists
ofthe reel and launcher assembly, tow line, T-1687
countermeasure transmitter, and electronic and mechanical
subassemblies, along with canisters and explosive cartridges
that deploy decoys to provide self-protection against radar
guided missiles for aircraft.
9. The Common Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT)/Reprogramming
Equipment (CMBRE) is support equipment used to interface with
weapon systems to initiate and report BIT results and both
upload and download flight software. CMBRE supports multiple
munitions platforms with a range of applications that perform
preflight checks, conduct periodic maintenance checks,
declassify munitions memory, and load Operational Flight
Program (OFP) data, munitions mission planning data, and
Global Positioning System (GPS) cryptographic keys.
10. The Electronic Warfare Reprogramming Lab is used by
U.S. Government engineers in the reprogramming and creation
of shareable Mission Data Files for foreign F-35 customers.
11. The highest level of classification of defense
articles, components, and services included in this potential
sale is SECRET.
12. If a technologically advanced adversary were to obtain
knowledge of the specific hardware and software elements, the
information could be used to develop countermeasures that
might reduce weapon system effectiveness or be used in the
development of a system with similar or advanced
capabilities.
13. A determination has been made that the Czech Republic
can provide substantially the same degree of protection for
the sensitive technology being released as the U.S.
Government. This sale is necessary in furtherance of the U.S.
foreign policy and national security objectives outlined in
the Policy Justification.
14. All defense articles and services listed in this
transmittal have been authorized for release and export to
the Government of the Czech Republic.

____________________