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FM AMEMBASSY BOGOTA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1550
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UNCLAS BOGOTA 000716 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: MARR PGOV PTER CO
SUBJECT: COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT ON SUBMARINE COMBAT 
SYSTEMS FOR COLOMBIA 
 
REASON THE PURCHASER DESIRES THE ARTICLE OR SERVICES: 
 
¶1.  The Colombian Navy (COLNAV) seeks to purchase two U.S. 
submarine combat systems -- equivalent to either the AN/BYG-1 
or SUBICS 9000.  This purchase intends to modernize combat 
systems and capabilities on the Navy's two Type 209 
submarines and keep them operational for an estimated 20 
additional years. 
 
 
HOW THE ARTICLE OR SERVICES WOULD AFFECT THE RECIPIENTS FORCE 
STRUCTURE: 
 
¶2.  The capabilities that a submarine combat system provides 
to the COLNAV structure include the modernization of their 
submarine fleet, a part of an overall Colombian modernization 
plan intended to meet future regional threats and 
interoperability with the U.S. Navy. 
 
 
HOW THE ARTICLE OR SERVICES WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO BOTH U.S. AND 
THE RECIPIENT'S DEFENSE SECURITY GOAL: 
 
¶3.  Based on new information from the Navy and Drug 
Enforcement Administration regarding the dramatically 
increasing threat of Self-Propelled Semi Submersible (SPSS) 
craft in the illegal drug trade, and the key role Colombian 
submarines play against the SPSS and other threats in 
counter-narcotics operations both in territorial waters and 
the open ocean, we have reassessed our position and recommend 
the transfer.  The initial country team assessment (MSG DTG 
052040ZJULl07), withheld recommendation for approval due to 
insufficient information from the GOC on the growing threat 
posed by SPSSs, and the role submarines play in 
counter-narcotics operations.  The systems will also enhance 
the Navy's ability to assist in maintaining the maritime 
security of the Caribbean Basin and the Pacific. The GOC 
maintains a concentrated effort, supported by the United 
States, to end a 40 year narcotics trafficking supported 
insurgency.  The Country Team concluded that enhancing the 
GOC's submarine assets will improve the its ability to 
interdict outgoing narcotics and incoming contraband 
shipments that support the Revolutionary Armed Forces of 
Colombia (FARC) insurgency and other narco-terrorist groups. 
 
 
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE TYPE AND QUANTITY OF ARTICLES OR 
SERVICES REQUIRED: 
 
¶4.  The Navy requests two submarine combat systems equivalent 
either to the AN/BYG-1 or SUBICS 9000, one for each diesel 
type 200 submarine.  The COLNAV currently has two type 209 
diesel submarines that perform counter narco-terrorism 
operations and intelligence gathering.  However, the current 
systems date from the early 1970's and are obsolete. 
Although the submarines can detect narcotics carrying go-fast 
and other vessels, the sonar cannot auto-track, thus greatly 
limiting their ability to  interdict.  With the installation 
of the new system, the sonar will auto-track potential enemy 
vessels and the narcotics-carrying SPSSs. 
 
 
ANTICIPATING REACTIONS OF NEIGHBORING NATIONS: 
 
¶5.  Given the low-profile nature of the request ("invisible" 
systems upgrades to already deployed submarines), we expect 
little reaction from Colombia's neighbors.  Still, we have 
seen a recent increase in tensions between Colombia and 
Venezuela over Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez calls to 
remove the FARC from international terrorism lists, and 
increasingly hostile rhetoric from Chavez.  Chavez could use 
the systems upgrades as new "evidence" for his long-standing 
and oft-repeated accusations that the USG and GOC are 
plotting against him.   We do not consider that sufficient 
reason to hold on the sale, and Chavez will almost certainly 
continue to make those accusations with or without the sale. 
 
 
ASSESSMENT OF NATION'S ABILITY TO ACCOUNT FOR, SAFEGUARD, 
OPERATE, MAINTAIN, AND SUPPORT THE ARTICLES: 
 
¶6.  The Navy has demonstrated proper security safeguard 
procedures, operations, maintenance, and support of control 
technologies, and the Country Team assesses the Navy can 
effectively account for, safeguard, operate, maintain, and 
support the articles requested. 
E 
 
TRAINING IN-COUNTRY & U.S. PRESENCE THAT MIGHT BE REQUIRED AS 
A RESULT OF PROVIDING THE ARTICLES: 
 
¶7.  NONE 
 
 
POSSIBLE IMPACT OF ANY IN-COUNTRY U.S. PRESENCE THAT MIGHT BE 
REQUIRED AS A RESULT OF PROVIDING THE ARTICLES: 
 
¶8.  NONE 
 
 
SOURCE OF FINANCING AND THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED 
ACQUISITION: 
 
¶9.  The COLNAV told us they will utilize funding allotted 
through recent war tax legislation. 
 
 
HUMAN RIGHTS CONSIDERATION RELEVANT TO THE PROPOSED 
ACQUISITION: 
 
¶10. None anticipated. 
 
 
A PLAN FOR END-USE MONITORING FOR SENSITIVE AND ADVANCED WAR 
FIGHTING TECHNOLOGY AND THE SAO'S PLAN FOR COMPLIANCE 
VERIFICATION: 
 
¶11. The Security Assistance Officer (SAO) will verify 
compliance by recurring observation and review of these 
systems installed aboard their type 209 submarines.  The SAO 
will notify the Navy via official correspondence when the 
annual inspections will take place.  The SAO will execute 
inspections via the handbook for the Foreign Military Sales 
(FMS) transfer of controlled technology and end use 
monitoring and the letter of offer and acceptance guidance. 
Historically, the COLNAV provided detailed end use monitoring 
reports to the SAO, and has received support via end use 
monitoring visits by the appropriate mission. 
 
 
RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO WHETHER THE USG SHOULD APPROVE TRANSFER 
OF THE ARTICLES AND JUSTIFICATION: 
 
¶12. The Country Team recommends approval. The purchase would 
enhance the GOC drug and weapons interdiction capabilities 
and counter the emerging SPSS threat, thereby limiting the 
ability of both drug and terrorist organizations to generate 
income and re-supply.  In this way the programs expect to 
contribute to the resolution of Colombia's internal conflict. 
 The systems will also provide COLNAV submarines with more 
interoperability with U.S. Navy Forces. 
Brownfield