Issues concerning the Proposed Sale of E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) to Iran

The United States may sell seven Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft and ground-based radars to Iran. The adequacy of assurances offered by President Carter in response to concerns over Iranian security and personnel capabilities depend on the ability of Congress to obtain factual data from the executive branch and to monitor events in Iran at the appropriate times. A Department of Defense study of possible alternative air defense systems for Iran was not conclusive as to which of the alternatives is operationally and militarily preferable. The cost comparisons of the study were not completely valid because they were based on alternatives of differing capabilities. The airborne systems provide part-time coverage of limited areas; the ground-based system provides full border and interior coverage 24 hours a day. The detection range specified in the study for AWACS was 220 nautical miles and for the E-2C 180 miles. The most recent Navy tests have shown that the E-2C capability may be in excess of 200 miles. The assumption was made that AWACS aircraft could operate 11 hours a day for a 21-day wartime period as opposed to 6 hours a day for the E-2C. The AWACS rate was based on as yet unproved objectives set out in the AWACS production contracts. An all ground-based system would require more personnel than the other alternatives.