WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States has taken a significant step in bolstering Iraq’s security capabilities. The State Department approved a potential $140 million sale of aircraft contractor logistics support and training for Iraq’s C-172 and AC/RC-208 fleet. Northrop Grumman Corporation will be the primary contractor for this initiative.
This development comes on the heels of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s first official visit to Washington. During his meeting with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, both leaders reaffirmed the commitment to a strong U.S.-Iraq defense partnership.
The discussions focused on ongoing security cooperation, countering threats like ISIS, and the future of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS mission in Iraq. The visit comes after a meeting of the U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission, which is tasked with determining the future of the international coalition based on factors like ISIS activity and Iraqi security force capabilities.
Secretary Austin acknowledged Iraq’s crucial role in defeating ISIS and praised the sacrifices made by the Iraqi people and security forces. He also highlighted Iraq’s leadership in repatriating Iraqi nationals from camps in Syria. Prime Minister Sudani emphasized the importance of accelerating these efforts.
The meeting also highlighted plans to modernize Iraq’s security forces, including the Kurdish Peshmerga. This modernization will involve various programs, including Foreign Military Sales (FMS), training, and equipment funded through the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund (CTEF).
A significant development was the signing of a joint work protocol for a potential $550 million FMS purchase by Iraq using a new flexible payment mechanism. This makes Iraq the first nation to utilize this financing option, allowing for staggered payments instead of a lump sum.
Both leaders also discussed ongoing efforts to secure key locations across Iraq, including Kurdistan, from aerial threats. They look forward to further strategic discussions on the future of the U.S.-Iraq security relationship later this year.