[Pages S1864-S1867]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MORNING BUSINESS

                                 ______
                                 

                        ARMS SALES NOTIFICATIONS

  Mr. RISCH. 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 still available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous 
consent to have printed in the Record the notifications that have been 
received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such 
an 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:


[[Page S1865]]


                                                  Defense Security


                                           Cooperation Agency,

                                                   Washington, DC.
     Hon. James E. Risch,
     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. 25-16, 
     concerning the Air Force's proposed Letter(s) of Offer and 
     Acceptance to the Government of Qatar for defense articles 
     and services estimated to cost $1.96 billion. We will issue a 
     news release to notify the public of this proposed sale upon 
     delivery of this letter to your office.
           Sincerely,
                                                Michael F. Miller,
                                                         Director.
       Enclosures.


                         Transmittal No. 25-16

     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 Qatar.
       (ii) Total Estimated Value:
       Major Defense Equipment <sup>*</sup> $0.34 billion.
       Other $ 1.62 billion.
       Total $ 1.96 billion.
       Funding Source: National Funds.
       (iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or 
     Services under Consideration for Purchase:
       Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
       Eight (8) MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).
       Two hundred (200) KMU-572 Joint Direct Attack Munition 
     (JDAM) tail kits for Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-38 or Laser JDAM 
     GBU-54.
       Three hundred (300) BLU-111 500-lb general purpose bombs.
       One hundred (100) MXU-650 air foil groups (AFG) for Paveway 
     11 GBU-12.
       One hundred (100) MAU-169 computer control groups (CCG) for 
     Paveway II GBU-12.
       Twenty-eight (28) Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/
     Inertial Navigation System (INS) (EGI) security devices with 
     M-Code.
       Twelve (12) EGI security devices with Selective 
     Availability Anti-Spoofing Modules (SAASM).
       Ten (10) Lynx AN/APY-8 Synthetic Aperture Radars (SAR).
       Ten (10) L3 Rio Grande communications intelligence (COMINT) 
     sensor suites.
       One hundred ten (110) AGM-114R2 Hellfire II missiles.
       Eight (8) M36E9 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles 
     (CATM).
       Non-Major Defense Equipment: The following non-MDE items 
     will also be included: Honeywell TPE-331 turboprop engines; 
     Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS); FMU-139D/B fuze 
     systems; DSU-38 laser illuminated target detectors for GBU-
     54; KY-100M narrowband/wideband terminals; AN/PYQ-10 Simple 
     Key Loaders (SKLs); Keying Identification Verification (KIV)-
     77 Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) cryptographic 
     appliques; Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)-250X High 
     Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor (HAIPE) Type 1 
     cryptographic communications security (COMSEC) devices; 
     Cryptographic Core Modernization (CCM)-700A Type 1 COMSEC 
     chips; AN/DPX-7 IFF transponders; Link-16 KOR-24A Small 
     Tactical Terminals (STTs); Semi-Automatic Ground Environment 
     (SAGE) Electronic Surveillance Measure systems; AE-4500 
     Electronic Support Measure; Compact Multi-band Data Link 
     (CMDL); Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) 6Si 
     compatible systems; Common Munitions Built-in-Test 
     Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE) Plus Block II; Mayflower 
     Multi-Platform Anti-Jam GPS Navigation Antennas (MAGNA)-I, 
     AS-4841; imaging systems; Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) 
     Multi-Spectrum Targeting System (MTS); Active Electronically 
     Scanned Array (AESA) radars (SeaSpray 7500 maritime radars); 
     Due Regard Radar (DRR); Automatic Information System (AIS) 
     transponders; Rohde & Schwartz Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/
     Very High Frequency (VHF) radios; satellite communications 
     (SATCOM) ground station antennas, modems, and terminals with 
     Unifi Security Gateway (USG) encryption; Ku-Band SATCOM GA-
     ASI Transportable Earth Stations (GATES); secure SATCOM 
     systems; DSU-33D/B bomb components; M299 Longbow Hellfire 
     launchers; weapons loading equipment; spare and repair parts, 
     consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; 
     weapons integration; support and test equipment; facilities 
     and construction support; publications and technical 
     documentation; personnel training and training equipment; 
     transportation and airlift support; studies and surveys; U.S. 
     Government and contractor engineering, technical, and 
     logistics support services; and other related elements of 
     logistics and program support.
       (iv) Military Department: Air Force (QA-D-SAA).
       (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: None.
       (vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Offered, or Agreed 
     to be Paid: None known at this time.
       (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained in the Defense 
     Article or Defense Services Proposed to be Sold: See Attached 
     Annex.
       (vii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: March 26, 2025.
       <sup>*</sup>As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export 
     Control Act.


                          Policy Justification

                 Qatar--MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft

       The Government of Qatar has requested to buy eight (8) MQ-
     9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA); two hundred (200) KMU-572 
     Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits for Guided Bomb 
     Unit (GBU)-38 or Laser JDAM GBU-54; three hundred (300) BLU-
     111 500-lb general purpose bombs; one hundred (100) MXU-650 
     air foil groups (AFG) for Paveway II GBU-12; one hundred 
     (100) MAU-169 computer control groups (CCG) for Paveway 11 
     GBU-12; twenty eight (28) Embedded Global Positioning System 
     (GPS)/Inertial Navigation System (INS) (EGI) security devices 
     with M-Code; twelve (12) EGI security devices with Selective 
     Availability Anti-Spoofing Modules (SAASM); ten (10) Lynx AN/
     APY-8 Synthetic Aperture Radars (SAR); ten (10) L3 Rio Grande 
     communications intelligence (COMINT) sensor suites; one 
     hundred ten (110) AGM-114R2 Hellfire II missiles; and eight 
     (8) M36E9 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM). The 
     following non-MDE items will also be included: Honeywell TPE-
     331 turboprop engines; Certifiable Ground Control Stations 
     (CGCS); FMU-139D/B fuze systems; DSU-38 laser illuminated 
     target detectors for GBU-54; KY-100M narrowband/wideband 
     terminals; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKLs); Keying 
     Identification Verification (KIV)-77 Mode 5 Identification 
     Friend or Foe (IFF) cryptographic appliques; Intrusion 
     Prevention System (IPS)-250X High Assurance Internet Protocol 
     Encryptor (HAIPE) Type 1 cryptographic communications 
     security (COMSEC) devices; Cryptographic Core Modernization 
     (CCM)-700A Type 1 COMSEC chips; AN/DPX-7 IFF transponders; 
     Link-16 KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminals (STTs); Semi-
     Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) Electronic Surveillance 
     Measure systems; AE-4500 Electronic Support Measure; Compact 
     Multi-band Data Link (CMDL); Remotely Operated Video Enhanced 
     Receiver (ROVER) 6SI compatible systems; Common Munitions 
     Built-in-Test Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE) Plus Block II; 
     Mayflower Multi-Platform Anti-Jam GPS Navigation Antennas 
     (MAGNA)-I, AS-4841; imaging systems; Electro-Optical/Infrared 
     (EO/IR) Multi-Spectrum Targeting System (MTS); Active 
     Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars (SeaSpray 7500 
     maritime radars); Due Regard Radar (DRR); Automatic 
     Information System (AIS) transponders; Rohde & Schwartz Ultra 
     High Frequency (UHF)/Very High Frequency (VHF) radios; 
     satellite communications (SATCOM) ground station antennas, 
     modems, and terminals with Unifi Security Gateway (USG) 
     encryption; Ku-Band SATCOM GA-ASI Transportable Earth 
     Stations (GATES); secure SATCOM systems; DSU-33D/B bomb 
     components; M299 Longbow Hellfire launchers; weapons loading 
     equipment; spare and repair parts, consumables and 
     accessories, and repair and return support; weapons 
     integration; support and test equipment; facilities and 
     construction support; publications and technical 
     documentation; personnel training and training equipment; 
     transportation and airlift support; studies and surveys; U.S. 
     Government and contractor engineering, technical, and 
     logistics support services; and other related elements of 
     logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is 
     $1.96 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 friendly country that continues 
     to be an important force for political stability and economic 
     progress in the Middle East.
       The proposed sale will improve Qatar's capability to meet 
     current and future threats by providing timely intelligence, 
     surveillance, and reconnaissance, target acquisition, 
     counter-land, and counter-surface sea capabilities for its 
     security and defense. This capability is a deterrent to 
     regional threats and will primarily be used to strengthen its 
     homeland defense. Qatar 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 General Atomics 
     Aeronautical Systems, located in Poway, CA; Lockheed Martin, 
     located in Bethesda, MD; RTX Corporation, located in Waltham, 
     MA; L3Harris, Inc., located in Melbourne, FL; Boeing 
     Corporation, located in Arlington, VA; and Leonardo SpA, 
     located in Rome, Italy. At this time, the U.S. Government is 
     not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with 
     this potential sale. 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 Qatar.
       There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness 
     as a result of this proposed sale.


                         Transmittal No. 25-16

     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 MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) is a weapons-
     ready aircraft designed for Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance 
     intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), target 
     acquisition, and strike missions. The MQ-9B RPA is not a USAF 
     program of record but has close ties to, and

[[Page S1866]]

     builds upon, the proven success of the MQ-9A Reaper. The MQ-
     9B is a highly modular, easily configurable aircraft that 
     contains the necessary hard points, power, and data 
     connections to accommodate a variety of payloads and 
     munitions to meet multiple missions--including counter-land, 
     counter-sea, and anti-submarine strike operations. The system 
     is designed to be controlled by two operators within a 
     Certifiable Ground Control Station (CGCS). The MQ-9B is able 
     to operate using a direct line-of-sight (LoS) datalink or 
     beyond line-of-sight (BLoS) through satellite communications 
     (SATCOM). The MQ-9B system can be deployed from a single site 
     that supports launch and recovery, mission control, and 
     maintenance. The system also supports remote-split operations 
     where launch, recovery, and maintenance occur at a forward 
     operating base (FOB) and mission control is conducted from 
     another location or main operating base (MOB).
       2. Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) consist of a bomb 
     body paired with a warhead-specific tail kit containing a 
     Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation System 
     (INS) 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 during captive carry, 
     or from a third-party source via manual or automated entry.
       a. The Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-38 is a 500-lb JDAM, 
     consisting of a KMU-572 tail kit and Bomb Live Unit (BLU)-111 
     or MK-82 bomb body.
       b. The GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) is 
     a 500-lb JDAM which incorporates all the capabilities of the 
     JDAM guidance tail kit and adds a precision laser guidance 
     set. The LJDAM gives the weapon system an optional semi-
     active laser guidance in addition to the GPS/INS guidance. 
     This provides the optional capability to strike moving 
     targets. The GBU-54 consists of a DSU-38 laser guidance set 
     or a DSU-33D/B proximity sensor and bomb body with 
     appropriate KMU-5XX tail kit.
       3. The Paveway II (PWII) is a maneuverable, free-fall 
     laser-guided bomb (LGB) that guides to laser energy reflected 
     off the target. The LGB is delivered like a normal general 
     purpose (GP) warhead, but the semi-active laser guidance 
     corrects many of the normal errors inherent in any delivery 
     system. Laser designation for the LGB can be provided by a 
     variety of laser target markers or designators. The PWII 
     consists of a non-warhead-specific MAU-209 or MAU-169 
     computer control group (CCG) and a warhead-specific air foil 
     group (AFG) that attaches to the nose and tail of the GP bomb 
     body.
       a. The GBU-12 is a 500-lb GP bomb body fitted with the MAU-
     169 CCG and MXU-650 AFG to guide to its laser designated 
     target.
       4. The M-Code capable Embedded Global Positioning System/
     Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS) (EGI), with an embedded 
     GPS Precise Positioning Service (PPS) Receiver Application 
     Module-Standard Electronic Module (GRAM-S/M), is a self-
     contained navigation system that provides acceleration, 
     velocity, position, attitude, platform azimuth, magnetic and 
     true heading, altitude, body angular rates, time tags, and 
     coordinated universal time (UTC) synchronized time. SAASM or 
     M-Code enables the GPS receiver access to the encrypted P(Y) 
     or M-Code signal, providing protection against active 
     spoofing attacks.
       a. Mayflower Multi-Platform Anti-Jam GPS Navigation Antenna 
     (MAGNA)-I, AS-4841 is a federated, GPS anti-jam solution. 
     MAGNA-F can provide protected GPS signals to different 
     receivers simultaneously. It protects critical mission 
     systems on the platform and provides unwavering position, 
     navigation, and timing (PNT). It can be used on multiple 
     military and civilian GPS receivers. It is also compatible 
     with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Modules (SAASM) and 
     M-Code.
       5. The EGI with SAASM--or M-Code receiver when available--
     and PPS is a self-contained navigation system that provides 
     the following: acceleration, velocity, position, attitude, 
     platform azimuth, magnetic and true heading, altitude, body 
     angular rates, time tags, and coordinated universal time 
     (UTC) synchronized time. SAASM or M-Code enables the GPS 
     receiver access to the encrypted P(Y) or M-Code signal, 
     providing protection against active spoofing attacks.
       6. The AN/APY-8 Lynx Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and 
     Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) system provides all-
     weather surveillance, tracking, and targeting.
       7. The L3 Rio Grande communications intelligence sensor 
     suite's capabilities meet rigorous mission requirements for 
     small, manned, and unmanned intelligence, surveillance, and 
     reconnaissance (ISR) platforms. Rio Grande intercepts, 
     locates, monitors, and records communications signals using a 
     common set of software applications. Rio Grande operates on 
     an open architecture design and supports third-party special 
     signals applications, real-time audio recording and playback, 
     and a three-dimensional display of the area of interest.
       8. The AGM-114R2 Hellfire II is a missile equipped with a 
     semi-active laser (SAL) seeker that homes in on the reflected 
     light of a laser designator. The AGM-1 14R can be launched 
     from higher altitudes than previous variants because of its 
     enhanced guidance and navigation capabilities, which include 
     a height-of-burst (HOB)/proximity sensor. The missile has a 
     multipurpose warhead and can destroy hard, soft, and enclosed 
     targets.
       a. Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs) are used to 
     simulate the AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles and are carried and 
     delivered in the same manner as the Hellfire with identical 
     weight, center of gravity, and overall appearance.
       9. The Honeywell TPE-331 is a turboprop engine with power 
     output ranging from 429 to 1,230 kW.
       10. The Certifiable Ground Control Station (CGCS) is 
     designed to emulate a reconnaissance aircraft cockpit, giving 
     users extensive means to operate both the aircraft and 
     sensors. It can be fixed or mobile, with either version 
     allowing operators to control and monitor the aircraft, as 
     well as record and exploit downlinked payload data.
       11. The FMU-139D/B Joint Programmable Fuze (JPF) is a 
     multi-delay, multi-arm 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.
       12. The KY-100M is a cryptographic-modernized lightweight 
     terminal for secure voice and data communications. The KY-
     100M provides wideband/narrowband half-duplex communication. 
     Operating in tactical ground, marine, and airborne 
     applications, the KY-100M enables secure communication with a 
     broad range of radio and satellite equipment.
       13. The AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader (SKL) is a handheld 
     device used for securely receiving, storing, and transferring 
     data between compatible cryptographic and communications 
     equipment.
       14. The Keying Identification Verification (KIV)-77 is a 
     cryptographic applique for Identification Friend or Foe 
     (IFF). It can be loaded with Mode 5 classified elements.
       15. The Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) 750 
     Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM) System is a United 
     Kingdom produced digital electronic intelligence (ELINT) 
     sensor which analyzes the electromagnetic spectrum to map the 
     source of active emissions. Using highly accurate direction 
     finding (DF) antennas, SAGE builds target locations and 
     provides situational awareness, advance warning of threats, 
     and the ability to cue other sensors.
       16. The SNC 4500 Auto Electronic Surveillance Measures 
     (ESM) System is a digital electronic intelligence (ELINT) 
     sensor which analyzes the electromagnetic spectrum to map the 
     source of active emissions. Using highly accurate Direction 
     Finding (DF) antennas, the SNC 4500 builds target locations 
     and provides situational awareness, advance warning of 
     threats, and the ability to cue other sensors.
       17. The L3 Harris Compact Multi-band Data Link (CMDL) is a 
     miniaturized, high-performance, wideband data link operating 
     in Ku, C, L, or S-band, with both analog and digital 
     waveforms. It is interoperable with military and commercial 
     products including Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL) 
     terminals, the complete line of Remotely Operated Video 
     Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) systems, and coded orthogonal 
     frequency division multiplexing (COFDM) receivers.
       18. The L3 Harris ROVER 6Si transceiver provides real-time, 
     full-motion video and other network data for situational 
     awareness, targeting, battle damage assessment, surveillance, 
     relay, convoy over-watch operations, and other situations 
     where eyes-on-target are required. It provides expanded 
     frequencies and additional processing resources from previous 
     ROVER versions, allowing increased levels of collaboration 
     and interoperability with numerous manned and unmanned 
     airborne platforms.
       19. 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 upload/
     download flight software. CMBRE supports multiple munitions 
     platforms with a range of applications that perform preflight 
     checks, periodic maintenance checks, loading of operational 
     flight program (OFP) data, loading of munitions mission 
     planning data, loading of GPS cryptographic keys, and 
     declassification of munitions memory.
       20. The MX-20HD is a gyro-stabilized, multi-spectral, 
     multi-field-of-view ElectroOptical/Infrared (EO/IR) targeting 
     system. The system provides surveillance laser illumination 
     and laser designation through use of an externally mounted 
     turret sensor unit and internally mounted master control. 
     Sensor video imagery is displayed in the aircraft real time 
     and may be recorded for subsequent ground analysis.
       21. The Selex Seaspray is an Active Electronically Scanned 
     Array (AESA) surveillance radar suitable for a range of 
     capabilities from long range search to small target 
     detection.
       22. Due Regard Radar (DRR) is a collision avoidance air-to-
     air radar. DRR is a key component of GA-ASI's overall 
     airborne Detect and Avoid System (DAAS) architecture for MQ-
     9B. By tracking non-cooperative aircraft, DRR enables a 
     collision avoidance capability onboard the RPA and allows the 
     pilot to separate the aircraft from other air traffic in 
     cooperation with air traffic control.
       23. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder 
     provides maritime patrol and search and rescue (SAR) aircraft 
     with the ability to track and identify AIS-equipped vessels 
     over a dedicated very high frequency (VHF) data link. AIS is 
     a key component of any maritime ISR network and offers 
     maritime authorities with the ability to

[[Page S1867]]

     better coordinate air and sea search, rescue, surveillance, 
     and interdiction operations.
       24. The Rohde & Schwartz Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/ VHF 
     radio is a multi-band, portable, two-way communication radio.
       25. The AN/DPX-7 is an IFF transponder used to identify and 
     track aircraft, ships, and some ground forces to reduce 
     friendly fire incidents.
       26. The C-Band LoS Ground Data Terminals and Ku-Band SATCOM 
     GA-ASI Transportable Earth Stations (GATES) provide command, 
     control, and data acquisition for the MQ-9.
       27. The M299 launcher provides mechanical and electrical 
     interface between the Hellfire missile and aircraft.
       28. The KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminal (STT) Link-16 is a 
     command, control communications, and intelligence (C31) 
     system incorporating high-capacity, jam-resistant, digital 
     communication links for exchange of near real-time tactical 
     information, including both data and voice, among air, 
     ground, and sea elements.
       29. The Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)-250X is a low-
     size, weight, and power (SWaP) National Security Agency 
     (NSA)-certified high-speed Internet Protocol (IP) network 
     encryptor.
       30. The highest level of classification of defense 
     articles, components, and services included in this potential 
     sale is SECRET.
       31. 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 system effectiveness or be used in the 
     development of a system with similar or advanced 
     capabilities.
       32. A determination has been made that Qatar 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.
       33. All defense articles and services listed in this 
     transmittal have been authorized for release and export to 
     Government of Qatar.

                          ____________________