Organized by New-Fields, the 2nd US Defense Industry Delegation to Iraq (USDID) will be held in Baghdad from 25-30 June 2011

The goal of the 2nd USDID/Iraq is to provide market entry or increased sales in Iraq for US Security, Sea, Land and Air Defense products and technologies, in addition to first hand market information and access to potential business partners.

The US-Iraq Security Agreement and “responsible withdraw”, as promised by President Obama, is what the Iraqis are banking on until they equip and train their Armed and Security Forces to be able to defend Iraq’s sovereignty and security.

Iraq is surrounded by 6 countries, sharing 2,300 miles of borders, 150 miles longer than the US-Mexico border. Iraq has a tradition of having a large army and security forces and needs to be prepared to defend its national interest along many fronts.

Iraq provides US Defense firms with tremendous opportunities as it equips and trains its Armed Forces. Currently the Iraqi Military Commanders pursue a number of high-priority programs including; new helicopters, missiles, fighters, trainer aircrafts, armored vehicles, tank, and navy ships.

It is estimated that the US defense industry could capture up to $50 billion in business under these programs in the next few years.

In his recent trip to Washington to attend New-Fields’ IADS Conference, Iraq’s Air Force Commander, Lt. General Anwer Ahmed, confirmed Iraq’s interest to buy 96 F-16.

To take full advantage of the Iraqi defense opportunities, US firms must understand the complexities of the Iraqi military establishment, including its unpredictable tendering process, as well as the competition from the Europeans and traditional Iraqi arms suppliers.  At the end of last March, Iraq Ordered Eurocopter’s EC635s, a $488 million deal.

Iraqi Officials have a strong affinity for U.S. Products and  Services in defense sectors, although a large number of their Military Commanders are graduate of former Soviet Union or European military schools and are very familiar with defense technologies from these countries, in particular the French.