Arms Sales Notification, 83852-83856 [2024-24124]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
• Office of the Secretary

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 202 (Friday, October 18, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 83852-83856]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-24124]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Office of the Secretary

[Transmittal No. 23-49]


Arms Sales Notification

AGENCY: Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Department of Defense 
(DoD).

ACTION: Arms sales notice.

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SUMMARY: The DoD is publishing the unclassified text of an arms sales 
notification.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pamela Young at (703) 953-6092, 
[email protected], or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This 36(b)(1) arms sales notification is

[[Page 83853]]

published to fulfill the requirements of section 155 of Public Law 104-
164 dated July 21, 1996. The following is a copy of a letter to the 
Speaker of the House of Representatives with attached Transmittal 23-
49, Policy Justification, and Sensitivity of Technology.

    Dated: October 15, 2024.
Aaron T. Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN18OC24.001

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

[[Page 83854]]

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 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 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); 
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); 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. 
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.

[[Page 83855]]

    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 (C4I/CNI) 
system provides the pilot with unmatched connectivity to flight 
members, coalition forces, and the battlefield. It 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 C4I/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 (IT) 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, F135 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

[[Page 83856]]

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 shaped-charge) for maximum lethality against armored 
and soft targets. The SDB-II 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-
II Guided Test Vehicles (GTV) and Captive Carry Reliability Trainers 
(CCRT).
    4. Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) consist of a bomb body 
paired with a warhead-specific 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-31v1 is a 2,000-lb JDAM, consisting of a KMU-556 tail kit 
and BLU-117 or Mk-84 bomb body.
b. The GBU-31v3 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 of the 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 supporting 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.

[FR Doc. 2024-24124 Filed 10-17-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P