Office of the Historian

341. Memorandum From the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (Iklé) to Secretary of Defense Weinberger1

Washington, June 14, 1982

SUBJECT

  • UK Request for AIM–9M Seeker Heads (TS)

On Jun 9 the UK requested two AIM–9M SIDEWINDER seeker heads for trial installation.2 If the trial is successful, an order for 20 seekers is expected.

The Navy and JCS recommend that the request be denied (see attached)3 for the following reasons:

a. The AIM–9M will not reach its IOC until Oct 82. Only prototype seekers are on hand, and these are required for the test program. The possible follow-on buy of 20 seeker heads cannot be met because of the low level of initial production.

b. There is a high risk of compromise of the seeker technology.4

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c. The added operational capability that the AIM–9M yields over the AIM–9L currently provided by the US to the UK is not required in the Falkland conflict.

d. Release of the AIM–9M seeker could lead to the European Consortium demanding authorization to build the AIM–9M. This has not been approved by the Foreign Disclosure Review Board and is opposed by the Navy.

The British requirement for the AIM–9M is indeed questionable in light of the military situation in the Falklands. Furthermore, the risk of technology compromise is of great concern: one need only consider the example of the SHRIKE missile in Brazil.5 Providing the AIM–9M seeker heads at this time will slow their introduction into the NATO theater where their unique capability is required. As a result of these considerations, I recommend we inform the British that the AIM–9M seeker heads not be provided for the foreseeable future.6

Fred C. Ikle 7

  1. Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files, FRC 330–86–0042, UK 1982. Top Secret; Eyes Only.↩
  2. Attached but not printed is a copy of the June 9 request delivered by the British Embassy.↩
  3. Attached but not printed is the June 10 action memorandum upon which both Hayward and Small initialed their disapproval of the British request.↩
  4. At the end of this sentence, Weinberger wrote: “We must make every effort to keep secure. I think the UK will agree to our terms on this.”↩
  5. See Document 321 and footnote 3 thereto.↩
  6. Weinberger approved the release of the AIM–9M on June 17 and added the following notation: “OK [unclear] reaction + query again if they need it now.”↩
  7. Iklé signed “Fred” above his typed signature.↩