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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 3 (Monday, January 6, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 623-627]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-31699]

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Office of the Secretary

[Transmittal No. 24-07]

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 24-
07, Policy Justification, and Sensitivity of Technology.

    Dated: December 31, 2024.
Stephanie J. Bost,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P

[[Page 624]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN06JA25.011

BILLING CODE 6001-FR-C
Transmittal No. 24-07
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 India
    (ii) Total Estimated Value:

Major Defense Equipment *...............  $1.70 billion
Other...................................  $2.29 billion
                                         -------------------------------
  TOTAL.................................  $3.99 billion
 

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

Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
    Thirty-one (31) MQ-9B Sky Guardian Aircraft
    One hundred sixty-one (161) Embedded Global Positioning & Inertial 
Navigation Systems (EGIs)
    Thirty-five (35) L3 Rio Grande Communications Intelligence Sensor 
Suites
    One hundred seventy (170) AGM-114R Hellfire Missiles
    Sixteen (16) M36E9 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM)
    Three hundred ten (310) GBU-39B/B Laser Small Diameter Bombs (LSDB)
    Eight (8) GBU-39B/B LSDB Guided Test Vehicles (GTVs) with live 
fuzes
Non-MDE:
    Also included are Certifiable Ground Control Stations; TPE-331-10-
GD engines; M299 Hellfire missile launchers; KIV-77 cryptographic 
appliques and other Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment; KOR-
24A Small Tactical Terminals

[[Page 625]]

(STT); AN/SSQ-62F, AN/SSQ-53G, and AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys; ADU-891/E 
Adapter Group Test Sets; Common Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT) 
Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); GBU-39B/B tactical training rounds, 
Weapons Load Crew Trainers, and Reliability Assessment Vehicles-
Instrumented; Portable Pre-flight/Post-flight Equipment (P3E); CCM-700A 
encryption devices; KY-100M narrowband/wideband terminals; KI-133 
cryptographic units; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders; Automatic 
Identification System (AIS) transponders; ROVER 6Si and TNR2x 
transceivers; MR6000 ultra high frequency (UHF) and very high frequency 
(VHF) radios; Selex SeaSpray Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) 
surveillance radars; HISAR-300 radars; SNC 4500 Auto Electronic 
Surveillance Measures (ESM) Systems; SAGE 750 ESM systems; Due Regard 
Radars (DRR); MX-20 Electro-Optical Infrared (E.O.-IR) Laser Target 
Designators (LTDs); Ku-Band SATCOM GAASI Transportable Earth Stations 
(GATES); C-Band Line-of-Sight (LOS) Ground Data Terminals; AN/DPX-7 IFF 
transponders; Compact Multi-band Data Links (CMDL); initial spare and 
repair parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; 
secure communications, precision navigation, and cryptographic 
equipment; munitions support and support equipment; testing and 
integration support and equipment; classified and unclassified software 
delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and 
technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; 
transportation support; warranties; 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 (IN-D-SAF)
    (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
    (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: February 1, 2024
    *As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control Act.
POLICY JUSTIFICATION

India--MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft

    The Government of India has requested to buy thirty-one (31) MQ-9B 
Sky Guardian aircraft; one hundred sixty-one (161) Embedded Global 
Positioning & Inertial Navigation Systems (EGIs); thirty-five (35) L3 
Rio Grande Communications Intelligence Sensor Suites; one hundred 
seventy (170) AGM-114R Hellfire missiles; sixteen (16) M36E9 Hellfire 
Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); three hundred ten (310) GBU-39B/B 
Laser Small Diameter Bombs (LSDB); and eight (8) GBU-39B/B LSDB Guided 
Test Vehicles (GTVs) with live fuzes. Also included are Certifiable 
Ground Control Stations; TPE-331-10-GD engines; M299 Hellfire missile 
launchers; KIV-77 cryptographic appliques and other Identification 
Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment; KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminals (STT); 
AN/SSQ-62F, AN/SSQ-53G, and AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys; ADU-891/E Adapter 
Group Test Sets; Common Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT) Reprogramming 
Equipment (CMBRE); GBU-39B/B tactical training rounds, Weapons Load 
Crew Trainers, and Reliability Assessment Vehicles-Instrumented; 
Portable Pre-flight/Post-flight Equipment (P3E); CCM-700A encryption 
devices; KY-100M Narrowband/wideband terminals; KI-133 cryptographic 
units; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders; Automatic Identification System 
(AIS) transponders; ROVER 6Si and TNR2x transceivers; MR6000 ultra high 
frequency (UHF) and very high frequency (VHF) radios; Selex SeaSpray 
Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) surveillance radars; HISAR-
300 Radars; SNC 4500 Auto Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM) 
Systems; SAGE 750 ESM systems; Due Regard Radars (DRR); MX-20 Electro-
Optical Infrared (E.O.-IR) Laser Target Designators (LTDs); Ku-Band 
SATCOM GAASI Transportable Earth Stations (GATES); C-Band Line-of-Sight 
(LOS) Ground Data Terminals; AN/DPX-7 IFF transponders; Compact Multi-
band Data Links (CMDL); initial spare and repair parts, consumables, 
accessories, and repair and return support; secure communications, 
precision navigation, and cryptographic equipment; munitions support 
and support equipment; testing and integration support and equipment; 
classified and unclassified software delivery and support; classified 
and unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel 
training and training equipment; transportation support; warranties; 
studies and surveys; United States (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 $3.99 billion.
    This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national 
security objectives of the U.S. by helping to strengthen the U.S.-
Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major 
defensive partner which continues to be an important force for 
political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific 
and South Asia region.
    The proposed sale will improve India's capability to meet current 
and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance 
patrols in sea lanes of operation. India has demonstrated a commitment 
to modernizing its military and 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 contractor will be 
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Poway, CA. 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 India.
    There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a 
result of this proposed sale.
Transmittal No. 24-07
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 (MALE); 
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 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--

[[Page 626]]

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, 
recovery, mission control, and maintenance. The system also supports 
remote-split operations where launch, recovery, and maintenance occur 
at a Forward Operating Base and mission control is conducted from 
another location or Main Operating Base (MOB).
    a. The Honeywell TPE-331-10-GD is a turboprop engine with power 
output ranging from 429 to 1,230 kW.
    b. 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. The 
embedded GRAM-S/M enables access to both the encrypted P(Y) and M-Code 
signals, providing protection against active spoofing attacks, enhanced 
military exclusivity, integrity, and anti-jam.
    c. The MX-20HD is a gyro-stabilized, multi-spectral, multi-field-
of-view (FOV) Electro-Optical/Infrared (E.O./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 in real time and may be recorded for subsequent analysis.
    2. The Ground Control Station (GCS) can be either fixed or mobile. 
The fixed GCS is enclosed in a customer-specified shelter. It 
incorporates workstations that allow operators to control and monitor 
the aircraft, as well as record and exploit downlinked payload data. 
The mobile GCS allows operators to perform the same functions and is 
contained on a mobile trailer. Workstations in either GCS can be 
tailored to meet customer requirements.
    3. L3 Rio Grande 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 open architecture design, 
supports third-party special signals applications, real-time audio 
recording and playback, and a three-dimensional display of the area of 
interest.
    4. The AGM-114R Hellfire is a missile equipped with a Semi-Active 
Laser (SAL) seeker that homes-in on the reflected light of a laser 
designator. The AGM-114R 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. 
With its multi-purpose warhead, the missile can destroy hard, soft, and 
enclosed targets. The sale will include Captive Air Flight Training 
Missiles (CATM), which are inert devices used for training to handle 
Hellfire missiles.
    5. The GBU-39B/B Laser Small Diameter Bomb (LSDB) All Up Round 
(AUR) is a 250-pound GPS and semi-active laser guided, small 
autonomous, day or night, adverse weather, conventional, air-to-ground 
precision glide weapon able to strike fixed and stationary, re-
locatable, non-hardened targets from standoff ranges. The LSDB's laser 
guidance set enables the weapon to strike moving targets. It is 
intended to provide aircraft with an ability to carry a high number of 
bombs. Aircraft are able to carry four SDBs in place of one 2,000-pound 
bomb. The Guided Test Vehicle, Reliability Assessment Vehicle-
Instrumented, Tactical Training Round (TTR), and Weapons Load Crew 
Trainer are LSDB configurations with telemetry kits or inert fills in 
place of the warhead and are used to test the LSDB weapon system or for 
flight and ground crew training.
    6. The M299 launcher provides a mechanical and electrical interface 
between the Hellfire missile and aircraft.
    7. The KIV-77 is a cryptographic applique for IFF. It can be loaded 
with Mode 5 classified elements.
    8. The KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminal is a command, control, 
communications, and intelligence (C3I) 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.
    9. AN/SSQ-62F is a sixth-generation, Directional Command Active 
Sonobuoy System (DICASS) sonobuoy used for detecting and localizing 
submarines. The DICASS sonobuoy can provide both range and bearing to 
the target for accurate position fixing. Like the AN/SSQ-62E, the AN/
SSQ-62F sonobuoy can support any of the four acoustic frequencies as 
selected via the Electronic Function Select.
    10. AN/SSQ-53G is a sonobuoy which combines a passive directional 
and calibrated wide-band omni capability into a single multi-functional 
sonobuoy. It features both Electronic Function Select (EFS) for use 
prior to loading and launching and Command Function Select (CFS) to 
allow the operator to modify the sonobuoy's modes of operation after it 
has been deployed in the water.
    11. AN/SSQ-36 is a sonobuoy which provides vertical temperature 
profiles for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) applications to evaluate 
local effects of seawater temperature on sonar propagation and acoustic 
range prediction.
    12. The Portable Pre-flight/Post-flight Equipment (P3E) is used by 
the ground crew at the MQ-9B operating sites to interface with the 
aircraft for performing maintenance functions. The P3E is a ruggedized 
computer assembly that interfaces directly with the aircraft via a 
cable and provides functionality for conducting pre and post-flight 
checks, and to establish the aircraft on the SATCOM datalink for 
handover to the flight crew in the Ground Control Station. The ADU-891 
Adapter Group Test Set provides the physical and electrical interface 
between the Common Munitions Built-in-Test Reprogramming Equipment 
(CMBRE) and the missile.
    13. 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 and 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 Global Positioning System 
(GPS) cryptographic keys, and declassification of munitions memory.
    14. The KY-100M is a cryptographic-modernized lightweight terminal 
for secure voice and data communications. The KY-100M provides wideband 
and 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.
    15. The KI-133 is used with a MQ-9B unique radio implementation, 
specifically using X Band. The KI-133 does not operate with a modem and 
is

[[Page 627]]

not a radio, rather it is an inline encryptor utilizing the KIV 700A 
for encryption and decryption.
    16. The AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader is a handheld device used for 
securely receiving, storing, and transferring data between compatible 
cryptographic and communications equipment.
    17. 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 better 
coordinate air and sea search, rescue, surveillance, and interdiction 
operations.
    18. The L3Harris ROVER 6Si and TNR2x transceivers provide real-
time, full-motion video (FMV) 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. The SAGE 750 Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM) System is a 
UK-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.
    20. 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.
    21. HISAR-300 radar provides superior long range, real-time, high-
resolution imaging and wide area search capability for overland and 
maritime surveillance missions, day or night and in all weather 
conditions.
    22. 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.
    23. 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 the 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 (ATC).
    24. The AN/DPX-7 is an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) 
transponder used to identify and track aircraft, ships, and some ground 
forces to reduce friendly fire incidents.
    25. The MR6000 ultra high frequency (UHF) and very high frequency 
radio (VHF) is a multi-band, portable, two-way communication radio.
    26. The C-Band Line-of-Sight (LOS) Ground Data Terminals and Ku-
Band SATCOM GA-ASI Transportable Earth Stations (GATES) provide 
command, control, and data acquisition for the MQ-9B.
    27. The Compact Multi-band Data Link (CMDL) is a miniaturized, 
high-performance, wide-band data links 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 ROVER systems, and coded 
orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (COFDM) receivers.
    28. The highest level of classification of defense articles, 
components, and services included in this potential sale is SECRET.
    29. 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.
    30. A determination has been made that India 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.
    31. All defense articles and services listed in this transmittal 
have been authorized for release and export to India.

[FR Doc. 2024-31699 Filed 1-3-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P
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