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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 224 (Wednesday, November 20, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 91699-91703]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-26984]

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Office of the Secretary

[Transmittal No. 23-71]

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 
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-
71, Policy Justification, and Sensitivity of Technology.

    Dated: November 14, 2024.
Stephanie J. Bost,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
BILLING CODE 6001-01-P

[[Page 91700]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN20NO24.070

BILLING CODE 6001-01-C
Transmittal No. 23-71
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 Romania
    (ii) Total Estimated Value:

Major Defense Equipment *...............  $0.97 billion
Other...................................  $1.56 billion
                                         -------------------------------
  TOTAL.................................  $2.53 billion
 

    Funding Source: National Funds
    (iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or 
Services under Consideration for Purchase:

Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
    Fifty-four (54) M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks
    Fifty-four (54) M1A1 Structures
    Four (4) M88A2 HERCULES Combat Recovery Vehicles
    Four (4) M1110 Joint Assault Bridges
    Four (4) M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles
    Four (4) Heavy Assault Scissor Bridge (HASB)
    Fifty-four (54) M240C 7.62mm Machine Guns
    Ten (10) AGT1500 Gas Turbine Engines
    Five thousand nine hundred forty (5,940) 120mm M1147 High 
Explosive, Multipurpose, Tracer (HEMP-T) Cartridges
    Four thousand two hundred thirty (4,230) 120mm M1002 Target 
Practice Multipurpose, Tracer (TPMP-T) Cartridges
Non-MDE:
    Also included are mine rollers;

[[Page 91701]]

Enhanced Heavy Equipment Transporter (EHET) M1300 tractors with M1302 
trailer with B-Kit/Frag Kit; Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck 
(HEMTT) M978A4 with B-Kit/Frag Kit; Tank Rack Modules (TRM) M107A1 fuel 
trailer (2500 gal) with B-Kit/Frag Kit; HEMTT A4 M1120 Load Handling 
System (LHS) with B-Kit/Frag Kit; Ml076Al with flat rack and B-Kit/Frag 
Kit; Forward Repair Systems; trailer mounted generators; Common Remote 
Operated Weapons Station Low Profile (CROWS-LP); M2A1 .50 caliber 
machine guns; communications equipment; global positioning system (GPS) 
receivers; service and training 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; 
concurrent spare parts; Field Service Representative (FSR) support; 
Contractor Logistics Support (CLS); Next Generation Automatic Test 
System (NGATS); logistics products; tank range upgrade; Intensive 
Management Office (IMO); Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO); Program 
Management Reviews (PMR); test measurement and diagnostic equipment; 
and other related elements of logistics and program support.

    (iv) Military Department: Army (RO-B-UGI)
    (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: November 9, 2023

    * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control Act.

POLICY JUSTIFICATION

Romania--M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks

    The Government of Romania has requested to buy fifty-four (54) M1A2 
SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks; fifty-four (54) M1A1 Structures; four 
(4) M88A2 HERCULES Combat Recovery Vehicles; four (4) M1110 Joint 
Assault Bridges; four (4) M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles; four (4) 
Heavy Assault Scissor Bridges (HASB); fifty-four (54) M240C 7.62mm 
machine guns; ten (10) AGT1500 Gas Turbine engines; five thousand nine 
hundred forty (5,940) 120mm M1147 High Explosive, Multipurpose, Tracer 
(HEMP-T) cartridges; and four thousand two hundred thirty (4,230) 120mm 
M1002 Target Practice Multipurpose, Tracer (TPMP-T) cartridges. Also 
included are mine rollers; Enhanced Heavy Equipment Transporter (EHET) 
M1300 tractors with M1302 trailer with B-Kit/Frag Kit; Heavy Expanded 
Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) M978A4 with B-Kit/Frag Kit; Tank Rack 
Modules (TRM) M107A1 fuel trailer (2500 gal) with B-Kit/Frag Kit; HEMTT 
A4 M1120 Load Handling System (LHS) with B-Kit/Frag Kit; Ml076Al with 
flat rack and B-Kit/Frag Kit; Forward Repair Systems; trailer mounted 
generators; Common Remote Operated Weapons Station Low Profile (CROWS-
LP); M2A1 .50 caliber machine guns; communications equipment; global 
positioning system (GPS) receivers; service and training 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; concurrent spare parts; Field Service 
Representative (FSR) support; Contractor Logistics Support (CLS); Next 
Generation Automatic Test System (NGATS); logistics products; tank 
range upgrade; Intensive Management Office (IMO); Foreign Liaison 
Officer (FLO); Program Management Reviews (PMR); test measurement and 
diagnostic equipment; and other related elements of logistics and 
program support. The estimated total program cost is $2.53 billion.
    This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national 
security objectives of the United States (U.S.) by helping to improve 
the security of a NATO Ally which is an important force for political 
and economic stability in Europe.
    The proposed sale will improve Romania's capability to meet current 
and future threats by providing a credible force that is capable of 
deterring adversaries and participating in NATO operations. Romania 
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; 
Lockheed Martin, Orlando, FL; L3 Harris, Melbourne, FL; American Apex 
Corporation, Delaware, OH; Allison Transmissions, Indianapolis, IN; 
Pearson Engineering, New Castle, United Kingdom; Amentum, Chantilly, 
VA; CAE, Chantilly, VA; Palomar, Carlsbad, CA; Boeing Company, 
Arlington, VA; Fibrotex, Stearns, KY; and US Ordnance, McCarran, NV. 
There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this 
potential sale.
    Implementation of this proposed sale will require approximately 
(22) U.S. Government and (52) U.S. contractor representatives to travel 
to Romania 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. 23-71
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 include:
    a. Export Thermal Imaging System (TIS) and Export Commander's 
Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV): 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. 
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

[[Page 91702]]

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. Special Armor (Foreign Military Sales-released version of 
special armor): Major components of special armor are fabricated in 
sealed modules and in serialized removable sub-assemblies.
    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.
    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 M1553A2.
    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): The DVE-A and M88 DVEs are thermal imaging 
systems developed for use while driving combat vehicles and tactical 
wheeled vehicles. The DVE provides night vision capability for the 
Abrams tank driver. RVSS provides a rear-view camera for the Abrams 
tank. DVE, DVE-Wide (JAB), 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. Militarized GPS Receiver Global Positioning System (GPS) AN/PSN-
13 Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR): Militarized GPS capability is 
currently provided to military vehicles 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. Communication Radio ``Falcon III RF-7850D: The Falcon III RF-
7850D is a multi-channel radio. It is a portable, compact, tactical 
software-defined combat-net radio manufactured by L3 Harris 
Corporation. It is also referred to as the Falcon III RF-7850D Multi-
Channel Manpack Radio System. It is used for the Abrams tank and M88A2 
HERCULES Recovery Vehicle.
    j. PVS-14 Night Vision Monocular: The PVS-14 Night Vision Monocular 
is a rugged, lightweight, multi-purpose night vision device that has 
repeatedly proven itself in combat. The PVS-14 design was originally 
commissioned by the U.S. military to enable nighttime operations. This 
monocular is used globally in some of the most challenging 
environments. The PVS-14 can be used as a handheld device or mounted on 
a head harness. The PVS-14 monocular conforms to 810G Military 
standards and demonstrates the highest quality form and function.
    2. Battle Management System (BMS): The BMS SEPv3 tank will consist 
of a Data Distribution Unit--Expandable (DDUx), a transceiver, and a 
commercial software called BC2A platform software by Interactive. 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, M88A2 Recovery 
Vehicle, Joint Assault Bridges (JAB), Assault Breacher Vehicles (ABV), 
EHET M1300, HEMTT M978A4, and MEMTTA4A M1120.
    3. 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 of 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:
    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 is an upgrade from the engine in the base M88Al.
    4. 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 and M104 Wolverine HAB and to 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.
    5. M830A1 120mm High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) TP-T Cartridges are 
a chemical energy, multi-purpose projectile with an anti-personnel 
capability. The round consists of a fin 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.
    6. The highest level of classification of defense articles, 
components, and services included in this potential sale is SECRET.
    7. If a technologically advanced adversary were to obtain knowledge 
of the specific hardware and software

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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.
    8. A determination has been made that Romania 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.
    9. All defense articles and services listed in this transmittal 
have been authorized for release and export to the Government of 
Romania.

[FR Doc. 2024-26984 Filed 11-19-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P
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