Iraq seeks Rapiscan scanning equipment

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WASHINGTON, March 5 (UPI) -- Iraq is seeking a $600 million deal with the United States for the purchase of Rapiscan System Vehicles for scanning cargo.

The Foreign Military Sales deal, reported to Congress by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, includes associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.

"This proposed sale of Rapiscan systems and vehicles will contribute to a stable, sovereign and democratic Iraq," the agency said. "The purchase and use of these systems will facilitate progress toward this goal by increasing the government of Iraq's ability to defend critical infrastructure and reduce terror and insurgent activities.

"The Z Backscatter vans will be used to scan vehicle interiors and will provide the government of Iraq a tool to restrict the ability of insurgent and terrorist groups to operate by detecting contraband movement through borders and checkpoints."

The request from Iraq is specifically for 90 M45 Rapiscan Mobile Eagle high-energy mobile system vehicles, 40 M60 Rapiscan Mobile Eagle vehicles and 70 American Science and Engineering brand Z Backscatter vans, as well as spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment.

If approved, a total of 45 representatives from Rapiscan and American Science and Engineering would provide in-country support for three years.