SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This 36(b)(5)(C) 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 20-0H with attached Policy Justification.

Transmittal No. 20-0H

REPORT OF ENHANCEMENT OR UPGRADE OF SENSITIVITY OF TECHNOLOGY OR CAPABILITY (SEC. 36(B)(5)(C), AECA)

(i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Finland

(ii) Sec. 36(b)(1), AECA Transmittal No.: 16-65

Date: December 2, 2016

Implementing Agency: Navy

(iii) Description: On December 2, 2016 Congress was notified, by Congressional certification transmittal number 16-65, of the possible sale, under Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, to the Government of Finland of ninety (90) Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) Variant(s). Also included were follow-on equipment and support for Finland's F/A-18 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) program including software test and integration center upgrades, flight testing, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, transportation, publications and ( printed page 52108) technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost was $156 million. Major Defense Equipment (MDE) constituted $57 million of this total.

This transmittal notifies inclusion of the following additional non-MDE items: U.S. program management, financial, logistics, engineering, training and transportation support; and the Common Unique Planning Component (CUPC)/Common Weapons Planning Environment (CWPE) software. The addition of these items will result in a net increase in non-MDE cost of $60 million, resulting in a revised non-MDE cost of $159 million. The total estimated case value will increase to $216 million.

(iv) Significance: The proposed articles and services will support Finland's ability to maintain its F-18 weapons aircraft.

(v) Justification: This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a trusted partner which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Finland in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.

(vi) Date Report Delivered to Congress: July 6, 2020

85 FR 52107