[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 27, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66420-66424]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-21073]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Office of the Secretary

[Transmittal No. 22-20]


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: Neil Hedlund at 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#dab4bfb3b6f4bdf4b2bfbeb6afb4bef4b9b3ac9ab7bbb3b6f4b7b3b6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="422c272b2e6c256c2a27262e372c266c212b34022f232b2e6c2f2b2e">[email protected]</span></a> or (703) 697-9214.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This 36(b)(1) arms sales notification is 
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, Transmittal 22-20 with 
attached Policy Justification and Sensitivity of Technology.

    Dated: September 21, 2023.
Aaron T. Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.

[[Page 66421]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN27SE23.003

Transmittal No. 22-20
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 Poland.
    (ii) Total Estimated Value:

 
 
 
Major Defense Equipment *................  $4.4 billion
Other $1.6 billion.......................
                                          ------------------------------
    TOTAL................................  $6.0 billion
 

    Funding Source: National Funds.
    (iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or 
Services under Consideration for Purchase:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
    Two hundred fifty (250) M1A2SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks
    Two hundred fifty (250) AN/VLQ-12 CREW Duke Counter-IED Systems
    Twenty-six (26) M88A2 HERCULES Combat Recovery Vehicles
    Seventeen (17) M1110 Joint Assault Bridges
    Two hundred seventy-six (276) M2 .50 Caliber Machine Guns
    Five hundred (500) M240C 7.62mm Machine Guns
    Fifteen (15) AGT1500 Gas Turbine Engines
    Nine thousand one hundred sixty-eight (9,168) 120mm M865 Target 
Practice, Cone Stabilized, Discarding Sabot--Tracer (TPCSDS-T) 
Cartridges

[[Page 66422]]

    Four thousand five hundred ninety-two (4,592) 120mm M1002 Target 
Practice Multipurpose Tracer (TPMP-T) Projectiles
    Thirteen thousand nine hundred twenty (13,920) 120mm M830A1 High 
Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) TP-T Cartridges
    Six thousand nine hundred sixty (6,960) 120mm XM1147 High Explosive 
Multipurpose Tracers
Non-MDE:
    Also included are forward repair systems; trailer mounted 
generators; Common Remote Operated Weapons Station Low Profile (CROWS-
LP); communications equipment; GPS receivers; ammunition; spare and 
repair parts; Special Tools and Test Equipment (STTE); technical 
manuals and publications; maintenance trainers; gunnery training 
systems; tank driver's trainers; new equipment training; U.S. 
Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics 
personnel services; and other related elements of logistics and program 
support.
    (iv) Military Department: Army (PL-B-UDT).
    (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: None.
    (vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Offered, or Agreed to be 
Paid: None.
    (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained in the Defense Article or 
Defense Services Proposed to be Sold: See Attached Annex.
    (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: February 17, 2022.
    * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control Act.

POLICY JUSTIFICATION

Poland--M1A2 SEPv3 Main Battle Tank

    The Government of Poland has requested to buy two hundred fifty 
(250) M1A2SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle tanks; two hundred fifty (250) AN/
VLQ-12 CREW Duke counter-IED systems; twenty-six (26) M88A2 HERCULES 
Combat Recovery vehicles; seventeen (17) M1110 joint assault bridges; 
two hundred seventy-six (276) M2 .50 caliber machine guns; five hundred 
(500) M240C 7.62mm machine guns; fifteen (15) AGT1500 gas turbine 
engines; nine thousand one hundred sixty-eight (9,168) 120mm M865 
Target Practice, Cone Stabilized, Discarding Sabot--Tracer (TPCSDS-T) 
cartridges; four thousand five hundred ninety-two (4,592) 120mm M1002 
Target Practice Multipurpose Tracer (TPMP-T) projectiles; thirteen 
thousand nine hundred twenty (13,920) 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-
Tank (HEAT) TP-T cartridges; and six thousand nine hundred sixty 
(6,960) 120mm XM1147 High Explosive multipurpose tracers. Also included 
are forward repair systems; trailer mounted generators; Common Remote 
Operated Weapons Station Low Profile (CROWS-LP); communications 
equipment; GPS receivers; ammunition; spare and repair parts; Special 
Tools and Test Equipment (STTE); technical manuals and publications; 
maintenance trainers; gunnery training systems; tank driver's trainers; 
new equipment training; U.S. Government and contractor technical, 
engineering, and logistics personnel services; and other related 
elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated program 
cost is $6.0 billion.
    This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national 
security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a 
NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress 
in Europe.
    The proposed sale will improve Poland's capability to meet current 
and future threats by providing a credible force that is capable of 
deterring adversaries and participating in NATO operations. Poland will 
have no difficulty absorbing this equipment 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 Dynamics Land Systems, 
Sterling Heights, MI; BAE Systems, York, PA; Leonardo DRS, Arlington, 
VA; Honeywell Aerospace, Phoenix, AZ; Raytheon Company, McKinney, TX; 
and Lockheed Martin, Orlando, FL. There are no known offset agreements 
proposed in connection with this proposed sale.
    Implementation of this proposed sale will require approximately 
(22) U.S. Government and (52) U.S. contractor representatives to travel 
to Poland for a duration of up to five years to support equipment 
fielding and training.
    There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a 
result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 22-20
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. M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Tank: The M1A2 Abrams is a third-generation 
American main battle tank, produced by General Dynamics Land Systems 
and named for General Creighton Abrams. The M1A2 SEPv3 (System 
Enhancement Package version 3) features include a multi-fuel turbine 
engine, composite armor, an advanced computer fire control system, 
separate ammunition storage in a blow-out compartment, and 120mm main 
gun. Extensive improvements have been integrated into the latest M1A2 
SEPv3 configuration. These improvements include improved digital 
systems, increased electrical power margin to support demands of future 
technologies, line replaceable modules (LRM) to reduce operational 
support costs, ammunition data link to support new tank main gun 
rounds, and an auxiliary power unit (APU). M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tank 
components considered to contain sensitive technology in the proposed 
sale are as follows:
    a. Thermal Imaging System (TIS) and Commander's Independent Thermal 
Viewer (CITV)
    (1) The TIS and CITV constitutes a target acquisition system which, 
when operated with other tank systems gives the tank crew a substantial 
advantage over the potential threat.
    (2) The TIS provides the Abrams M1A2 crew with the ability to 
effectively aim and fire the tank main armament system under a broad 
range of adverse battlefield conditions. The TIS can be operated and 
viewed by the tank gunner or tank commander, and is the main sighting 
system for the tanks' main gun (cannon). The CITV provides the same 
target acquisition system as the TIS, but provides the tank commander a 
separate system that can be controlled and operated independent of the 
TIS.
    b. Armor: Major components of the armor are fabricated and 
assembled into serialized removable subassemblies, and installed in 
sealed modules.
    c. 120mm Main Gun (Cannon) & M256 Gun Barrel: The Abrams 120mm main 
gun system is composed of a 120 millimeter (mm) smoothbore gun (cannon) 
also referred to as the M256 gun barrel, manufactured at Watervliet 
Arsenal; armor-piercing, fin stabilized, discarded sabot (APFSDS) and 
other warheads; and combustible cartridge case ammunition.
    d. AGT-1500 Gas Turbine Propulsion System: The use of AGT-1500 gas 
turbine propulsion system in the M1A2 is a unique application of 
armored vehicle power pack technology. The hardware is composed of the 
AGT-1500 engine and transmission and is not classified. Manufacturing 
processes associated with the production of turbine blades, 
recuperator, bearings and shafts, and hydrostatic pump and motor are 
proprietary and therefore commercially competition sensitive.

[[Page 66423]]

    e. Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station--Low Profile (CROWS-LP): 
The CROWS-LP (M153A2E1) is a commander's weapon station. It allows for 
operation of weapons--M2HB, M2A1, M240B and M240 machine guns. The 
CROWS-LP is an updated version of the M153A2 CROWS. The CROWS-LP 
M153A2E1 has improved performance over the M153A2.
    f. Ammunition Data Link (ADL): The Ammunition Data Link (ADL) is a 
system consisting of hardware, electronics, software and an upgraded 
fire control system. The ADL is required to effectively fire the latest 
generation of ``smart'' 120mm main gun ammunition. The ADL offers the 
capability to supply data to the main gun ammunition to increase the 
capability and effectiveness of the smart round. The Advanced 
Multipurpose (AMP) smart round requires the ADL to function, and is a 
future enhancement for use with the M1A2 Abrams.
    g. Driver Vision Enhancer--Abrams (DVE-A) AN/VAS-5 and Rear View 
Sensor System (RVSS):
    (1) The AN/VAS-5 Driver Vision Enhancer--Abrams (DVE-A) and Rear 
View Sensor System (RVSS) are thermal imaging systems developed for use 
while driving combat vehicles and tactical wheeled vehicles. The DVE-A 
provides night vision capability for the Abrams tank driver. RVSS 
provides a rear view camera for the Abrams tank.
    (2) DVE-A and RVSS allow for tactical vehicle movement in support 
of operational missions in all environmental conditions (day/night and 
all weather) and provides enhanced driving capability during limited 
visibility conditions (darkness, smoke, dust, fog, etc.).
    h. Global Positioning System (GPS) AN/PSN-13 Defense Advanced GPS 
Receiver (DAGR): Global Positioning System (GPS) capability is 
currently provided to Abrams tanks using the DAGR. The DAGR is a 
handheld GPS receiver which utilizes Selective Availability Anti-
Spoofing Module (SAASM) security. It is used for the Abrams tank, the 
M88A2 HERCULES Recovery Vehicle and the Joint Assault Bridge.
    i. Handheld Communication Radio AN/PRC-158: The AN/PRC-158 is a 
multiband handheld radio. It is a portable, compact, tactical software-
defined combat-net radio manufactured by L3/Harris Corporation. It is 
also referred to as the AN/PRC-158 Multi-Channel Manpack Radio System. 
The AN/PRC-158 has been fielded since 2005 by the U.S. Army, the USMC, 
and various select countries. It is used for the Abrams tank, the M88A2 
HERCULES Recovery Vehicle and the Joint Assault Bridge.
    j. Battle Management System (BMS): The BMS for the Poland SEPv3 
tank will consist of a Data Distribution Unit--Expandable (DDUx), a 
transceiver, and commercial software called Sitaware. It equips 
soldiers with secure data encryption and advanced logistics. It 
includes an intuitive interface with features like touch-to-zoom maps 
and drag-and-drop icons. It is used for the Abrams tank, the M88A2 
HERCULES Recovery Vehicle and the Joint Assault Bridge.
    k. Counter Remote Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) 
Electronic Warfare (CREW) Duke AN/VLQ-12: The AN/VLQ-12 CREW Duke 
system is a vehicle-mounted, lightweight system that neutralizes RCIED 
threats and gives troops a tactical advantage across the full spectrum 
of operations. It is the U.S. Army's state-of-the-art security 
enhancement to the U.S. Army Abrams tank. The AN/VLQ-12 CREW Duke 
system uses an advanced software-defined architecture that supports 
rapid reconfiguration to adapt to the constantly evolving threat 
environment.
    2. M88A2 HERCULES Recovery Vehicle: The primary role of the M88A2 
Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lifting Extraction System 
(HERCULES) Combat Recovery Vehicle is recovery of the Abrams M1 Main 
Battle Tank. The 70-ton M88A2 Recovery Combat Vehicle is standard 
equipment to de-process, recover, and sustain the Abrams M1 Tank. The 
vehicle's role is to extricate combat vehicles that have become bogged 
down or entangled; and to repair or replace damaged parts in fighting 
vehicles while under fire. The M88A2 main winch is capable of 70-ton 
single line recovery; and a 140-ton 2:1 recovery when used with a 140-
ton pulley. The A-frame boom of the M88A2 can lift 35 tons when used in 
conjunction with the spade down. The spade can be used for light earth 
moving and to anchor the vehicle when using the main winch. The M88A2 
employs an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to provide auxiliary electrical 
and hydraulic power when the main engine is not in operation; the APU 
can also be used to slave start other vehicles. The M88A2 recovery 
vehicle components considered to contain sensitive technology in the 
proposed case are as follows:
    a. AVDS-1790-8CR Engine Propulsion System: The AVDS-1790-8CR is a 
unique modification to the standard piston engine family in the M60 
series and the base M88Al.
    b. Driver's Vision Enhancer (DVE-CV M88): Driver's Vision Enhancer 
(DVE-CV M88) is a thermal imaging system developed for use while 
driving Combat Vehicles (CVs) and Tactical Wheeled Vehicles (TWVs). It 
allows for tactical vehicle movement in support of operational missions 
in all environmental conditions (day/night and all weather) and 
provides enhanced driving capability during limited visibility 
conditions (darkness, smoke, dust, fog, etc). The DVE provides night 
vision targeting capabilities for armored vehicles and long-range night 
vision reconnaissance capability to the warfighter. The DVE-CV for M88 
vehicle is a platform-mounted night vision device (not man-portable), 
requires external power supply and is integrated into the vehicle.
    3. M1110 Joint Assault Bridge: The M1110 Joint Assault Bridge (JAB) 
is a fully tracked armor engineer vehicle specifically designed to 
replace the M48/M60 AVLB, M104 Wolverine HAB and provide assault 
bridging capabilities to armored forces. The JAB System consists of an 
M1A1 Abrams chassis (with A2 heavy suspension) and a hydraulic bridge 
launch mechanism that will launch and retrieve the Heavy Assault 
Scissor Bridge MLC-115 Normal and MLC-124 Caution. The JAB contains:
    a. Armor: Major components of the armor are fabricated and 
assembled into serialized removable subassemblies, and installed in 
sealed modules. -
    b. AGT-1500 Gas Turbine Propulsion System: The use of AGT-1500 gas 
turbine propulsion system in the JAB is a unique application of armored 
vehicle power pack technology. The hardware is composed of the AGT-1500 
engine and transmission.
    c. Driver Vision Enhancer--JAB (DVE) and Rear View Sensor System 
(RVSS): The Driver Vision Enhancer (DVE) used on the JAB is the DVE-10 
and Rear View Sensor System (RVSS) both are thermal imaging systems 
developed for use while driving combat vehicles and tactical wheeled 
vehicles. The DVE provides night vision capability for the JAB driver. 
The RVSS provides a rear view camera for the JAB. DVE and RVSS allow 
for tactical vehicle movement in support of operational missions in all 
environmental conditions (day/night and all weather) and provides 
enhanced driving capability during limited visibility conditions 
(darkness, smoke, dust, fog, etc.).
    4. M830A1 120mm High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) TP-T Cartridges is 
a chemical energy, multi-purpose projectile with an anti-personnel 
capability. The round consists of a fin

[[Page 66424]]

stabilized steel body which is loaded with Composition A3 Type II 
explosive. The fins are canted and impart spin to the projectile. A 
copper shaped charge liner and wave shaper are contained within the 
warhead.
    5. The highest level of classification of defense articles, 
components, and services included in this potential sale is SECRET.
    6. 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.
    7. A determination has been made that Poland will 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.
    8. All defense articles and services listed in this transmittal 
have been authorized for release and export to the Government of 
Poland.

[FR Doc. 2023-21073 Filed 9-26-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001-06-P


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