The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq for Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $97 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on 12 November 2014.
The Government of Iraq has requested a possible sale of up to 2,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS), weapon and test support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, transportation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $97 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.
The proposed sale will improve Iraq’s capacity to sustain security operations and strengthen its internal and external defense capabilities. The sale of APKWS will increase the Iraqi Army Aviation Command’s ability to carry out operations against terrorist forces while significantly reducing risk to civilians.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be BAE Systems in Nashua, New Hampshire. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
The proposed sale will involve multiple trips to Iraq involving U.S. government and contractor representatives for approximately 3 years for program management, program and technical reviews, training, maintenance support, and site surveys.
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.
Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency - DSCA
Photo: The APKWS(TM) laser-guided rocket shot from a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II. (Photo Credit: BAE Systems)
