United States Approves Agreement to Improve Iraq's Air Defences.

Iraq and the United States have entered into multiple agreements concerning military aviation and air defense, as announced by Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbassi on April 21, 2024. These agreements were signed in Washington during a visit led by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, reported by Rudaw.
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An Iraqi AVENGER air defense system. (Picture source: MOIQ TV footage)

The deals are described as "turnkey contracts" in the fields of military aviation and air defense. "Representatives of our defense ministry signed these contracts with the American party," al-Abbassi explained during an interview at the Sulaimani Forum.

Sudani's visit to the U.S., which began on April 13, included high-level meetings with President Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. At the Pentagon, Sudani emphasized Iraq's desire to acquire military expertise and equipment, highlighting the need for a robust security partnership in the currently unstable regional climate.

The Iraqi delegation secured a significant contract worth nearly half a billion dollars to strengthen the Iraqi armed forces, revealed Yehia Rasool, a spokesperson for Sudani. This agreement marks a turning point in bilateral relations under the Strategic Framework Agreement with the United States.

This is not the first time the Iraqis have acquired U.S. material; in the past, Iraq has acquired the AVENGER air defense system. The AVENGER is a mobile air defense system equipped with eight FIM-92C Stinger missiles and a 12.7mm machine gun, designed to offer protection against low-altitude air threats due to its rapid firing capability and high mobility, with a maximum road speed of 105 km/h. The system, weighing 3,900 kg, is used by several countries including Taiwan, Ukraine, the United States, and Iraq.

Technically, the AVENGER system's missiles can hit targets up to a maximum distance of 3,800 meters and up to an altitude of 3,800 meters as well. Each missile's warhead weighs 1 kg and is of the HE Fragmentation type. For navigation and control, the AVENGER is equipped with a Fire-Control Computer (AFCC), a land navigation system, a handheld terminal unit, and a remote-control unit (RCU), allowing for precise and effective operation in combat conditions.

The system lacks armored protection, making it vulnerable to direct attacks, but its lightweight design enhances mobility and rapid deployment. The vehicle measures 4.95 meters in length, 2.18 meters in width, and 2.59 meters in height, and is operated by a crew of two. The AVENGER is primarily used for rapid air defense missions, offering immediate response capabilities against nearby aerial targets.

Sudani also met with representatives from General Dynamic, a major American manufacturer of weapons and military equipment, to discuss potential cooperation on rebuilding Iraq's military infrastructure, especially in terms of supplying tanks and armored vehicles.

Defense News April 2024