The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Iraq for follow-on support and maintenance of multiple aircraft systems and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $675 million.

The Government of Iraq has requested a possible sale of follow-on support and maintenance of multiple aircraft systems that include TC-208s, Cessna 172s, AC-208s, T-6As, and King Air 350s. Included are ground stations, repair and return, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $675 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country. This proposed sale directly supports the Iraq government and serves the interests of the Iraqi people and the U.S.

The proposed sale will help the Iraqi government to maintain indigenous Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, training, and counter insurgency/counter-terrorism capabilities. As the drawdown of coalition forces continues, the Iraqi Air Force continues to develop a force capable of assuming the lead in providing for the security of the Iraqi people. The follow-on support will ensure the operational capability of the Iraqi Air Force and will allow it to sustain itself in its efforts to establish stability in Iraq.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractors will be Hawker Beechcraft Corporation in Wichita, Kansas; Flight Safety International in Flushing, New York; Alliant Techsystems in Magna, Utah; L-3 Communications in New York, New York; and Integration Innovation, Inc. in Huntsville, Alabama. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

DSCA press release