BAGHDAD, April 3 (UPI) -- Iraqi government officials say they have invested more than $181 million to supply newly minted security forces in the country with equipment and munitions.
The Iraq Ministry of Interior says it has invested more than $181 million in the Foreign Military Sales Program operated by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The program is designed to provide purchasing power for the Iraqi government to sustain and supply Iraqi security forces with quality weaponry, ammunition and vehicles. Officials say investment in the program is expected to grow to more than $590 million as more contracts are approved.
"Officials in the Iraqi Ministry of Interior are serious about getting the best quality products from the Foreign Military Sales Program," said U.S. Lt. Col. Dan Gilewitch, program manager for the Foreign Military Sales program.
"Both MG Abdulameer (Iraqi assistant deputy ministry for infrastructure) and MG Jassim, (head of the Ministry Of Interior Contracting Directorate) are adamant about receiving timely deliveries of quality Foreign Military Sales equipment so they can issue it to the Provincial Police forces throughout Iraq. They are constantly asking us questions and forcing the issue when it comes to Foreign Military Sales deliveries and pricing."
Foreign Military Sales orders over the past year from the Iraqi Ministry of Interior have included 2,600 police vehicles and thousands of AK-47 rifles and other weapons. Officials say there are currently nine Foreign Military Sales approved cases pending that total $272.4 million supporting border enforcement and police initiatives. Between the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Defense there are more than $1.3 billion worth of Foreign Military Sales purchases on order.
