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US State Department releases update about security cooperation with Iraq 32108153.
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Defence & Security News - United States
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US State Department releases update about security cooperation with Iraq | |||
The US State Department has released an update on the level of security cooperation with Iraq, revealing that the Baghdad government has bought almost $19 billion worth of military equipment from the US through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program since 2005.
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Iraqi FMS purchases include 3,300 Hellfire missiles; 31,000 2.75-inch rockets; over 30,000 120mm tank rounds;146 M1A1 Main Battle Tanks; 36 F-16 fighter aircraft; 24 IA407 helicopters; and 9 C-130 cargo aircraft among other equipment, at a cost of over $18.6 billion. A further $1.6 billion of grants and loans for military infrastructure has been approved by Congress since 2012 as part of the the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program. Originally intended to build up Iraq’s long-term sustainment and logistics capabilities, and for Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) professionalisation and other essential training, it has been reallocated to to urgent counterterrorism requirements, including critical resupply of Hellfire missiles, 2.75-inch rockets, tank ammunition, small arms/ammo, and individual soldier items. FMF has been used to purchase body armour and transport as well. |
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