WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Iraq is seeking Hellfire missiles from the United States as it battles a resurgence of al-Qaida and other militants.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a proposed sale of 500 AGM-114K/R missiles -- plus associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support -- to Iraq under a Foreign Military Sales program deal worth $82 million.
"Iraq will use the Hellfire missiles to help improve the Iraq Security Forces' capability to support current ongoing ground operations," the agency told Congress. "Iraq will also use this capability in future contingency operations."
Covered under the contract for the missiles would be Hellfire missile blast fragmentation sleeves; installation kits; containers, transportation, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment.
Principal contractor for the missiles and additional equipment would be Lockheed Martin.
The agency said no government or contractor personnel would be required to travel to Iraq for support services if the sale is approved.
