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State Dept. approves sale of Cessna AC-208 aircraft to Iraq

The $65 million sale would involve several aircraft and associated equipment and support.

By Geoff Ziezulewicz
The U.S. State Department has approved a proposed $65 million sale of Cessna AC-208 aircraft to the government of Iraq. Pictured, one of the aircraft taxiing. U.S. Air Force photo
The U.S. State Department has approved a proposed $65 million sale of Cessna AC-208 aircraft to the government of Iraq. Pictured, one of the aircraft taxiing. U.S. Air Force photo

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department has approved a proposed $65 million sale of Cessna AC-208 aircraft to the government of Iraq. announced Friday.

The deal would involve the purchase of two aircraft that would include dual rail LAU-131 Hellfire missile launcher capability on each wing, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement Friday.

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Congress was notified of the possible sale on Thursday.

The aircraft would also include AN/ALE-47 electronic countermeasure dispenser, AN/AAR-60 missile launch warning systems, AN/AAQ-35 electro-optical infrared imaging systems, contractor aircraft modifications, spare parts, publication updates, aircraft ferry and miscellaneous part.

Baghdad originally purchased three AC-208 and three C-208 aircraft in 2008. The Cessna is used to support Iraqi military operations against the Islamic State terrorist group.

Orbital ATK would be the principal contractor.

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