US government agrees to an arms deal worth about two billion dollars for Iraq


2016-01-21 05:45:07 | (Voice of Iraq) - Reuters

The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) on Wednesday said the government had agreed to sell Iraq smart bombs and missiles er IM -9 M Sidewinder and other munitions for use in its fleet of 36 F-16 fighter in a deal worth up to $ 1.95 billion.

The agency said the Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the Pentagon notified Congress it on 15 January, the deal proposed sale to Iraq, which is fighting to regain land seized by the militants to organize the Islamic state.

And before Congress 30 days to block the sales, although such action is rare because the arms control agreements being examined carefully before any formal notification.

The Security Cooperation Agency said the proposed transaction -alta also includes technical support and operations and maintenance work rules and force Aamlh- will require the establishment of about 400 American personnel in Iraq until 2020.

She added that the agreement will contribute to the strengthening of the US National Security grant Iraq additional weapons, ammunition and technical services needed to maintain the combat capability of its fleet of F-16 fighter jets.

The agency said in a statement: "This proposed transaction enables Iraq to maintain fully on the aircraft, use and support the training of pilots to achieve effective Hmalah of Iraq from the current and future threats."

(Preparation and serious Alfi Arab Bulletin)


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