US embassy cable - 04KUWAIT2248

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 002248 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR PM/RSAT, NEA/ARP, NEA/RA 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/14/2014 
TAGS: MASS, PREL 
SUBJECT: (C) COUNTRY TEAM POSITION REGARDING RELEASE 
AUTHORITY FOR KUWAIT TO PURCHASE 16 ATIRCMS FOR THE APACHE 
HELICOPTERS 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Richard J. Jones, reasons 1.4(a) and (d) 
 
1.  (C) Background.  The Government of Kuwait (GOK) has 
requested release to purchase the Advanced Threat Infrared 
Countermeasure System (ATIRCMS) for its AH-64D Apaches.  The 
first Apaches for Kuwait will be delivered in Sep 06.  The 
ATIRCMS uses the AN/ALQ-212 Infrared (IR) Jammer and the 
Common Missile Warning System to provide both active and 
passive IR protection.  The ATIRCMS is a sub-component of the 
Suite of Integrated Countermeasures (SIIRCM) currently 
undergoing testing.  The ATIRCMS is an integrated infrared 
countermeasure warning system for rotary and fixed wing 
aircraft.  The system provides situational awareness and 
self-protection from advanced IR-guided air-to-air missiles 
and surface-to-air missiles.  The system also provides 
missile detection, declaration, automatic jamming and 
automatic decoy dispensing.  The U.S. Army was projected to 
field its first ATIRCMS in 1QFY04.  Instead of SIIRCM, the 
GOK is procuring the Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids 
System (HIDAS) build by BAE Systems (which also makes 
ATIRCMS) for its AH-64Ds without the jammer.  For HIDAS to be 
effective, an IR jammer is needed, and the GOK wants the 
ATIRCMS with its AN/ALQ 212 Jammer. 
 
2.   (C) U.S. Embassy Kuwait supports the GOK's request for 
release authority to purchase ATIRCMS.  The following 
information is submitted: 
 
a.  The GOK procured the HIDAS System without the Nemesis 
Directional Infrared Countermeasure Self-Protection Suite (IR 
jammer). 
 
b.  The GOK desires to use the ATIRCMS that the U.S. Army 
will install on its own AH-64s in the near future. 
 
c.  Currently the GOK Apaches do not have an IR jamming 
system to defend against IR guided missiles. 
 
d.  The GOK has proven to be a loyal and increasingly 
valuable friend and ally to the U.S. Government as evidenced 
by its recently being granted Major Non-NATO Ally status. 
 
e.  With Kuwait procuring 16 Apaches, upgrading one hangar 
facility and building two others, its new facilities could be 
used by forces in future military operations. 
 
f.  The GOK will be able to train and fight with the U.S. 
Army Apaches in the future if circumstances dictate this. 
Without a reliable IR jammer, its aircraft would be highly 
vulnerable and therefore a liability to U.S. helicopters 
fighting alongside them. 
 
g.  Econ Section:  There is no significant effect on Kuwait's 
economy from the purchase of ATIRCMS.  The GOK can easily 
afford it. 
 
h.  Commercial Section:  The sale of the ATIRCMS will have no 
effect on trade relations between Kuwait and the U.S. 
 
i.  Political Section:  Denial of release authority for 
ATIRCMS would be perceived as an incomprehensible slap in the 
face to a Major Non-Nato Ally at a time when Kuwait is the 
indispensable partner for OIF. 
 
j.  U.S. Embassy Kuwait strongly recommends approval of the 
requested release authority for Kuwait to purchase the 
ATIRCMS for its Apache helicopters. 
 
3.   (C)  POC for this action is BG J. Mulholland, Chief, OMC 
Kuwait. 
JONES