Iraq has requested a potential $1.2 billion sale of 15 helicopters plus associated parts, equipment, training and logistical support, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress Nov. 18.
Iraq wants the possible sale of as many as 15 AgustaWestland AW109 Light Utility Observation helicopters or, alternatively, 15 Bell Helicopter Textron [TXT] Model 429 Medical Evacuation and Aerial Observation helicopters or 15 EADS North America UH-72A Lakota Light Utility helicopters; and up to 12 AgustaWestland AW139 Medium Utility helicopters or, alternatively, 12 Bell Model 412 Medium Utility helicopters or 12 Sikorsky [UTX] UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters equipped with 24 T700-GE-701D engines.
The potential sale also includes: spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, ground support, communications equipment, U.S. government and contractor provided technical and logistics support services, tools and test equipment, and other related elements of logistics support.
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, DSCA said in its notice to Congress. The proposed sale directly supports the Iraq government and serves the interests of the Iraqi people and the United States.
The proposed sale would advance Iraqi efforts to develop a strong national military and police authority, DSCA said. A well-equipped and trained military and police/border force patrol authority and counter-terrorism force will help ensure that Iraq can continue to sustain its democratically-elected government, assist in stabilizing the various provinces, and prevent an overflow of unrest into the provinces, cities, and towns within Iraq.
The principal contractors would be: AgustaWestland and Bell,EADS North America, Sikorsky, and General Electric [GE].
Implementing the proposed sale will require the assignment of U.S. government and contractor representatives to Iraq for an extended period to assist in the delivery and deployment of the helicopters.