Iraq seeks weapons, services from firms

BAGHDAD – Iraq is seeking to buy $10.9 billion in weapons and services from U.S. defense contractors including General Dynamics Corp., Boeing Co., Textron Inc. and Raytheon Co. to “establish security and stability” throughout the country, Bloomberg News reported last week.
The scope of sales proposed [last] week shows Iraq has needs “not only for counter-insurgency but also to gradually build up capability to deter any attacks from its neighbors,” said Anthony Cordesman, an analyst on Middle East security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. During a four-to five-year period Iraq also plans to buy fighter jets to boost its Air Force, he said.
Proposed sales include a request for 24 helicopters and related equipment valued at as much as $2.4 billion from either Chicago-based Boeing or Providence-based Textron’s Bell Helicopter unit.
Iraq also sought 392 light armored vehicles and related weapons systems valued at as much as $3 billion. Suppliers would include General Dynamics; Waltham, Mass.-based Raytheon; Force Protection Inc. in Ladson, S.C.; London-based BAE Systems Plc, and Oshkosh Corp. in Oshkosh, Wisc. &#8226

No posts to display