Iraq - Aerostats and Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment Tower Systems

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Media/Public Contact
pm-cpa@state.gov
Transmittal No
14-04

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2014 – The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq for Aerostats and Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment tower systems and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $90 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 13, 2014. 

The Government of Iraq has requested a possible sale of 7 Aerostats (17 meter) and 14 Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment (RAID) Tower Systems, installation, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical data, site surveys, U.S. government and contractor technical assistance, personnel training and training equipment, and other related elements of program and logistics support. The estimated cost is $90 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner. This proposed sale directly supports the Government of Iraq and serves the interests of the people of Iraq and the United States.

This proposed sale would facilitate progress towards increasing the Iraq’s ability to provide protection of national level command and control sites, military installations, and other critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks. Iraq will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Raytheon Company of Arlington, Virginia. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require up to 12 U.S. Government and contractor representatives to travel to Iraq over a two year period to provide technical support, program reviews and training.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

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