US
to sell Iraq huge arsenal of attack jet munitions
The
United States has approved the sale of almost $2 billion worth of
bombs and missiles to equip Iraq's squadron of F-16 attack jets in
their battle against jihadist rebels.
The
Defense Security Cooperation Agency said 400 American government
staff and contractors would work in Iraq until at least 2020 to
maintain the arsenal and train Iraqi pilots and ground crew.
"This
proposed sale enables Iraq to fully maintain and employ its aircraft
and sustain pilot training to effectively protect Iraq from current
and future threats," it said.
The
sale of the 36 jets had been previously announced, but the $1.95
billion arms package confirms that the Iraqis will have access to
modern smart bombs and missiles.
US
military advisors, special forces and contractors are already working
alongside Iraqi and coalition units in the battle against the Islamic
State jihadist group.
The
sale approved this week includes 24 Sidewinder and 150 Maverick
missiles for each jet. Some 16,000 bombs will be delivered, along
with laser and satellite guidance kits.
Each
jet will be fitted with an M61 Vulcan 20mm cannon.
US
engineering giants Lockheed Martin and Raytheon will be the primary
suppliers of the gear and training, along with other US groups and
the Royal Jordanian Air Academy.
