This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 VILNIUS 000313 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE PLEASE PASS TO PM; EUR/NB 
 
E.O. 12958: NA 
TAGS: PREL MCAP MASS LH
SUBJECT:  Government of Lithuania request to purchase Dual 
Mounted Stinger Platform 
 
¶1.  Summary:  The GOL requested an amendment to an existing 
contract for the Stinger missile system on 23 March 2005  in 
order to enhance NATO interoperability and realize a long- 
term cost savings over the life of the modified contract. 
Lithuania is requesting the purchase of eight Dual Mounted 
Stinger (DMS) systems vice the eight Vehicle Mounted Stinger 
Launch Platform (VMSLP) systems currently on order by the 
GOL.  During negotiations for the initial contract signed in 
November 2002, the USG informed Lithuania that it would not 
release the DMS system to non-NATO countries.  Post strongly 
supports Lithuania's request to amend the existing contract 
in order to acquire the DMS system.  End Summary. 
 
---------------------- 
A Staunch, Active Ally 
---------------------- 
 
¶2.  Lithuania fully supports U.S. policies in the Global War 
on Terrorism and staunchly supports Operation Enduring 
Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Most recently, 
Lithuania volunteered to lead a NATO Provincial 
Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan, demonstrating its deep 
commitment to NATO less than a year after accession to the 
alliance.  The Lithuanian Parliament, in September 2004, 
approved a bill extending its military's participation in 
Central and South Asia, the Persian Gulf, and the Balkans. 
Lithuanian Special Operations Forces maintained a nearly 
continuous presence in Afghanistan from November 2002 to 
December 2004 and committed to return in 2006.  They also 
recently committed to participate in NATO Reaction Forces -5 
and -6.  Lithuanians have also served in Kuwait and Iraq 
since April 2003, and over 100 Lithuanians are currently in 
Iraq. Since 1994, over 1,300 Lithuanians have participated 
in Peacekeeping operations in the Balkans.  Over 100 
Lithuanian troops serve there now.  Lithuania continues to 
transform its military from a territorial, defense-oriented 
army to an expeditionary style force.  Lithuania is 
committed to having a fully deployable battalion combat team 
with organic air defense assets ready to support NATO 
operations by 2006. 
 
----------- 
Background 
----------- 
 
¶3.  Lithuania signed a $31.3 million Letter of Acceptance 
with the USG in November 2002 to purchase the Vehicle 
Mounted Stinger Launch Platform (VSLPM) Short Range Air 
Defense (SHORAD) system, a oneofakind system that is being 
specifically engineered for Lithuania.  The acquisition 
agreement included 60 Stinger missiles and eight vehicle 
mounted launch platforms.  Lithuania initially requested the 
Dual Mounted Stinger System (DMS), the US and NATO common 
platform, but was only offered the VSLPM option.  During 
recent discussions with the SHORAD program management 
office, the Office of Defense Cooperation and the Lithuanian 
Military confirmed that switching from the current, 
specially modified VSLPM system to the widely deployed DMS 
system will greatly enhance Lithuanian interoperability with 
US and NATO SHORAD systems and will reduce long-term 
maintenance and sustainment costs over the next ten years. 
A SHORAD site assessment time has already inspected 
Lithuanian storage facilities and security 
systems/procedures and found Lithuania to be in full 
compliance with the required regulations for safeguarding 
Stinger missiles. 
 
----------------------- 
COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT 
----------------------- 
 
¶4.  Post provides the following information pursuant to DSCA 
request for Country Team assessment. 
 
     ¶A.  The reason the nation desires the articles or 
services: 
     -- The amendment of the existing contract will provide 
Lithuania with the already field-proven DMS system, 
enhancing its units' interoperability with US and NATO 
SHORAD units.  Acquiring a system that is already widely 
deployed throughout NATO will also reduce its maintenance 
and sustainment costs. 
 
     ¶B.  The anticipated reaction of neighboring nations: 
 
     -- Post does not foresee an adverse affect on 
neighboring nations. The VMSLP contract was signed in 2002 
and there was no adverse reaction from neighboring 
countries. 
 
     ¶C.  The ability of the purchaser to operate, maintain, 
and support the article.  Training required either in- 
country or in the US and the possible impact of any in- 
country US presence that might be required as a result of 
providing the article: 
 
     -- Maintenance and operator training is already 
included in the current contract and the amendment will only 
require minor modifications to the current training plan, 
which is still in development.  US personnel regularly 
conduct training events in Lithuania. 
 
     ¶D.  The source of financing and the economic impact of 
the proposed acquisition: 
 
     -- There is no negative economic impact.  The amendment 
may entail a slight increase in the existing contract of 
$33.1 million in Lithuanian national funds.  However, 
switching to the commonly deployed DMS system will result in 
a long-term cost savings for the GOL. 
 
     ¶E.   Relevant human rights considerations that might 
bear on the proposed acquisition: 
 
     --There are no human rights considerations that bear on 
this amendment to the current acquisition. 
 
     ¶F.  Whether the US government should approve the 
transfer of the article and reasons therefore: 
 
     -- Post recommends approval of Lithuania's request for 
the procurement of the DMS.  These articles will enhance the 
combat effectiveness of the Lithuanian Army and its ability 
to deploy a fully integrated Battalion Combat Team by the 
end of 2006.  Acquiring a US common system will also reduce 
maintenance and sustainment cost for the Lithuanian Stinger 
Platoons.  Agreeing to this request will reinforce the 
excellent bilateral relationship between our nations and 
strengthen Lithuanian resolve to support OEF, OIF and Balkan 
Peace Keeping Operations. 
 
¶5.  This is a fully coordinated country team assessment. 
 
¶6.  POC is LTC McDonough, Chief, Office of Defense 
Cooperation, jmcdonough@san.osd.mil, 370-5-266-5641