Arms Sales Notification
Floor Speech
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Mr. RISCH. Madam 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.
Hon. Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Speaker: Pursuant to the reporting requirements of Section 36(b)(5)(C) of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), as amended, we are forwarding Transmittal No. 25-1R. This notification relates to enhancements or upgrades from the level of sensitivity of technology or capability described in the Section 36(b)(1) AECA certification 17-12 of June 23, 2017. Sincerely, Michael F. Miller, Director.
Enclosure. ____ 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)(5)(C) of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), as amended, we are forwarding Transmittal No. 25-1R. This notification relates to enhancements or upgrades from the level of sensitivity of technology or capability described in the Section 36(b)(1) AECA certification 17-12 of June 23, 2017. Sincerely, Michael F. Miller, Director.
Enclosure. ____ Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Washington, DC. Hon. Brian Mast, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: Pursuant to the reporting requirements of Section 36(b)(5)(C) of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), as amended, we are forwarding Transmittal No. 25-1R. This notification relates to enhancements or upgrades from the level of sensitivity of technology or capability described in the Section 36(b)(1) AECA certification 17-12 of June 23, 2017. Sincerely, Michael F. Miller, Director.
Enclosure. Transmittal No. 25-1R Report of Enhancement or Upgrade of Sensitivity of Technology or Capability (Sec. 36(b)(5)(C), AECA)
(i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Australia.
(ii) Sec. 36(b)(1), AECA Transmittal No.: 17-12.
Date: June 23, 2017.
Implementing Agency: Air Force.
(iii) Description: On June 23, 2017, Congress was notified by congressional certification transmittal number 17-12 of the possible sale, under Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, of up to five (5) Gulfstream G-550 aircraft modified to integrate Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Electronic Warfare (AISREW) mission systems, Global Positioning System (GPS) capability, secure communications, aircraft defensive systems; spares, including whole life costs of airborne and ground segments; aircraft modification and integration; ground systems for data processing and crew training; ground support equipment; publications and technical data; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; flight test and certification; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost was $1.3 billion. Major Defense Equipment (MDE) constituted $.04 billion of this total.
On August 26, 2020, Congress was notified by Congressional certification transmittal number 20-0J of Australia's request for the inclusion of the following non-MDE items and services: spares and repair/return parts: consumables and support equipment; publications and technical documentation; maintenance, training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor flight test and certification, aircraft modification and integration, engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. These additional items resulted in an increase in non-MDE cost of $500 million, causing a revised total cost for non-MDE of $1.76 billion. Major Defense Equipment (MDE) remained $.04 billion. The total estimated case value increased by $500 million to $1.8 billion.
This transmittal notifies the addition of the following non-MDE items: follow-on sustainment support of the Royal Australian Air Force's Gulfstream G-550 aircraft modified with airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare (AISREW) mission systems; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost of the new items is $230 million. The estimated total case will increase by $230 million to a revised $2.03 billion. There is no MDE associated with this sale.
(iv) Significance: The proposed sale will support Australia's efforts to modernize its electronic warfare support capability and increase interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force.
(v) Justification: This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of the most important U.S. allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.
(vi) Date Report Delivered to Congress: November 7, 2025.
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