Iraq seeks FMS deals worth more than $1.9B

WASHINGTON, July 26 (UPI) -- The government of Iraq has approached the United States with a Foreign Military Sales shopping list worth more than $1.9 billion.

Sought by Iraq are nuclear, biological and chemical Reconnaissance ground vehicles, helicopters and maintenance services.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in its required notifications to Congress, said the sales would "contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner ... [and] contribute to Iraq's stability and sovereignty."

The largest procurement in terms of dollar value would be 50 M1135 Stryker vehicles in the nuclear, biological, and chemical reconnaissance configuration.

The contract, worth an estimated $900 million, would include DECON 3000 decontamination systems, M26 commercial joint service transportable decontamination systems, AN/VRC-89 single-channel ground and airborne radio systems (SINCGARS) with GPS, AN/VRC-90 SINCGARS with GPS, M40A1 protective masks, lightweight personal chemical detectors LCD-3, portable chemical warfare agent detectors GID-3, Multi RAE PLUS Gas Detectors and M256 chemical agent detector Kits.

Spare and repair parts, necessary clothing, support gear, communication equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment would also be included.

"This proposed sale will contribute to Iraq's stability and sovereignty by increasing its situational awareness and ability to identify potential chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents," DSCA said.

The principal contractors if the sale is approved would be General Dynamics Land System, Germany's Karcher Futuretech, DRS Technologies, Smiths Detection and Federal Resources.

The agency said about 35 U.S. government and/or contractor personnel would be needed in Iraq for as much as two years.

Second place on the Iraqi shopping list are Bell 412 helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.

The Bell 412 is a utility aircraft with a maximum speed of 161 mph, a range of 463 miles and a service ceiling of 20,000 feet. It can carry as many as 13 passengers.

Iraq is seeking a dozen of the aircraft with Star SAFIRE III EO/IR systems, PT6T-3DF engines, KDM-706 distance measuring equipment, KNR 634 VOR/LOC with MB/HSI, MST67A transponder, Artex C406-1HM emergency Locator transmitter, very high frequency radios and night imaging systems

Spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment would be part of the deal, which carries as estimated value of $300 million.

"This equipment will provide the Iraqi Air Force with a search-and-rescue capability critical to developing a mature Air Force," the agency said.

The third Foreign Military Sales deal sought by Iraq is for a follow-on maintenance support for a variety of vehicles, includes self-propelled Howitzer vehicles.

The contract would be for five years and carry a value of $750 million.