US Approves $600m Defense Deal

US Approves $600m Defense Deal

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq with an estimated cost of $600 million (720 billion Iraqi dinars).

The Government of Iraq has requested a Foreign Military Sales Order II (FMSO II) to provide funds for blanket order requisitions, under a Cooperative Logistics Supply Agreement (CLSSA) for spare parts to support M1A1 Battle Tanks (pictured), M1070 Heavy Equipment Tactical Trucks, M88A1/2 Tank Recovery Vehicles, M113 Vehicles, M198 Towed Howitzers, M109A5 Self Propelled Howitzers, High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV), Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT), heavy and light machine guns, common repair sets, and additional authorized items with associated equipment and services.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner. This proposed sale directly supports the Government of Iraq and serves the interests of the people of Iraq and the United States.

Iraq requires continuing procurement and repair of spare parts through the U.S. Government’s FMSO II program in order to maintain its military fleets of tanks, vehicles, and other associated equipment. The spare parts and repair sets to be procured under this proposed sale are critical for maintaining these ground transportation vehicles in operational condition.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be General Dynamics Land Systems in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

(Source: DSCA)