FMS support deal in works for Iraqi vessels

Aug. 2 (UPI) -- A possible U.S. sales deal to Iraq of follow-on support for its U.S. origin naval vessels and a ship repair facility has been approved by the State Department.

The Foreign Military Sales program package is worth an estimated $150 million.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which manages the FMS program, said in its required notification to Congress on Monday that the sale would support U.S. national security interests.

"Iraq intends to use this maintenance support to ensure the Navy is fully operationally capable of providing coastal defense and security," the DSCA said in a press release. "The various vessels to be supported are: patrol boats, offshore support vessels, fast assault boats, and rigid hull Inflatable boats."

The follow-on technical support deal covers procurement of spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training equipment, engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.

The prime contractor would be Swiftships, LLC, of Louisiana.