WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Iraq is seeking to buy F-16IQ aircraft from the United States in a Foreign Military Sale package worth an estimated $2.3 billion.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in its notification to Congress said, in addition to the aircraft, the deal would include: F100PW-229 or F110-GE-129 increased performance engines; LAU-129/A common rail launchers; APG-68(V)9 radar sets; M61 20mm Vulcan cannons; AIM-9L/M-8/9 Sidewinder missiles; AIM-7M-F1/H Sparrow missiles; Maverick missiles: and several different types of laser-guided bombs and well as general purpose bombs.
Among other items are electronic countermeasure systems, electronic warfare systems and navigation systems.
"The proposed aircraft and accompanying weapon systems will greatly enhance Iraq's interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO nations, making it a more valuable partner in an important area of the world, as well as supporting Iraq's legitimate need for its own self-defense," the agency said.
The agency's list of principal contractors for the deal reads like a Who's Who of the defense industry: BAE, Boeing, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Pratt and Whitney, General Electric, Goodrich and L-3 Communications, among others.
"Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Iraq involving U.S. government and contractor representatives for technical reviews/support, program management, and training over a period of 15 years," the agency said.
