US approves potential follow-on technical support for Iraqi naval vessel maintenance.

According to information published by the US DoD on September 24, 2024, the U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Iraq, providing follow-on technical support for the maintenance and repair of naval vessels. Valued at approximately $65 million, the sale is part of a broader initiative to assist the Iraqi Navy in maintaining its fleet, which includes offshore vessels, patrol boats, and defender-class boats originally supplied by the United States.
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Iraqi Navy's Defender-class patrol boats. (Picture source: Dvids)

The Defender-class patrol boats, widely used by the U.S. Coast Guard and other security forces, are highly versatile platforms designed for maritime security, search and rescue, and port protection.

These vessels are constructed with a durable, deep-V hull made of marine-grade aluminum (5086) and reinforced with internal stringers and cross members, ensuring structural integrity. Their unique design, coupled with a rigid polyethylene foam collar, provides unsinkable buoyancy. The boats typically feature twin 225-horsepower outboard engines, giving them a top speed exceeding 45 knots and the ability to operate in sea conditions up to 10 feet, though optimal performance is in seas around 6 feet.

The Defender-class comes in several variants, with lengths ranging between 25 and 30 feet. They are equipped for a variety of missions, boasting gun mounts for weapons like the M240B and even heavier armament on some models. These patrol boats are highly maneuverable, designed for quick-response scenarios, and can be easily deployed via trailers or even transported by C-130 aircraft. They are also capable of sustained operations with a range of up to 125 miles, depending on the fuel configuration. The cabin design has been optimized for crew comfort, with some models featuring climate control systems.

Iraq-US relations

The defense equipment relationship between the United States and Iraq is part of a broader strategic and military partnership that has evolved since the early 2000s. The U.S. continues to support Iraq in maintaining its security forces, particularly in the fight against ISIS and other regional threats. This cooperation is centered around both military training and the provision of defense equipment.

In recent years, the U.S. has been actively involved in helping Iraq enhance its air defense capabilities. The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act includes a plan to provide the Iraqi military and Kurdish Peshmerga with air defense systems to counter missile, rocket, and unmanned threats. This move comes amid increasing tensions in the region, with frequent attacks by Iran-backed militias on U.S. forces in Iraq.

Iraq is also looking to diversify its defense procurement, acquiring helicopters from both the U.S. and France. This includes purchases of Bell 407 and Bell 412 helicopters, intended to strengthen Iraq's internal security and counter-terrorism efforts. These acquisitions are viewed as critical in the context of a potential reduction in the U.S. troop presence in Iraq, with these helicopters set to fill capability gaps left by the U.S. withdrawal.