American troops are no longer in Iraq, but the country still wants U.S. weapons for its security needs. The nation is primed to receive roughly $1 billion worth of military hardware from the United States.
A proposed deal includes 200 “up-armored” Humvee vehicles with machine gun mounts, precision-guided bombs and 24 AT-6C Texan II light-attack aircraft, among many other assets. Agency France Presse reported Thursday.
“The proposed sale of these aircraft, equipment and support will enhance the ability of the Iraqi forces to sustain themselves in their efforts to bring stability to Iraq and to prevent overflow of unrest into neighboring countries,” the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a notice to Congress on Tuesday.
Iraq had previously agreed to purchase 36 U.S. F-16 fighter jets, AFP reported. The assets of the newest deal would go to provide surveillance against terrorist attacks and defend the nation’s oil infrastructure, the agency said.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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