Iraq seeks tanks and up-armored Humvees

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Iraq is requesting M1A1 Abrams tanks and up-armored High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles, or Humvees, from the United States.

The two separate proposed sales under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program have already received approval by the U.S. State Department and were reported to Congress by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

The two sales packages, if approved by Congress, have a combined value of more than $2.97 billion dollars.

The proposed sales "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, and directly supports the government of Iraq and serves the interests of both countries.

The tank package is comprised of 175 full track M1A1 Abrams tanks with 120mm guns modified and upgraded to the M1A1 Abrams configuration; 15 M88A2 improved tank recovery vehicles, 175 .50 Caliber M2 machine guns, 350 7.62mm M240 machine guns, 10 .50 Caliber BR M2 HB machine guns, 10,000 M831A1 120mm high explosive anti-tank TP-T ammunition, and 25,000 M865 120mm TPCSDS-T ammunition.

Also included: 10,000 M830A1 120mm high explosive anti-tank multi-purpose tracer ammunition, 10,000 M1002 120mm target practice tracers, nearly 200 dual long-range radio systems, 700 M1028 Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicles, radios.

DSCA said support equipment, fuel, transportation, spare and repair parts, site surveys, quality assurance teams, special tools and test equipment, and logistical support are part of the deal worth $2.4 billion.

"Iraq will use the M1A1 Abrams tanks to facilitate progress towards increasing its ability to quickly mobilize and defend its border," the agency said. "Support of the M1A1 Abrams tanks for Iraq demonstrates the on-going U.S. commitment to support Iraq's continued development into a sovereign, stable, and long-term self-reliant strategic partner."

If the sale goes through, five U.S. government and 100 contractor representatives would be required to travel to Iraq for as long as five years.

The second possible FMS deal is for 1,000 M1151A1 Humvees, together with associated equipment, parts and logistical support.

The deal carries a price tag of $579 million.

Each of the Humvees would be equipped with M2 .50 caliber machine guns, and 1000 MK-19 40mm grenade launchers with universal mounts.

"Iraq will use the HMMWVs to increase the safety, effectiveness, and self-reliance of the Iraqi Security Forces," DSCA told Congress.

AM General in South Bend, Ind., would be the principal contractor for the vehicles. No U.S. government or contractor representatives would be required to travel to Iraq is the deal goes through.

A number of Iraq Army armored vehicles were reportedly captured earlier this year by Islamist insurgents during their surge around the country. The definitive number of vehicles captured and destroyed is not immediately available and it is not known if the FMS sales requests are meant to replenish the Iraqi Army fleet of vehicles.