Ramona Adams
The State Department has cleared a potential $65.3 million foreign military sale of Cessna AC-208 aircraft, associated equipment and support services to Iraq.
Orbital ATK will be the prime contractor for the sale that covers two AC-208 aircraft with LAU-131 Hellfire launchers, AN/ALE-47 electronic countermeasure dispenser, AN/AAR-60 missile launch warning system and AN/AAQ-35 electro-optical infrared imaging system, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Friday.
The deal also includes contractor aircraft modifications, spare parts, publication updates, aircraft ferry and miscellaneous parts.
Iraq uses Cessna aircraft in efforts to counter al-Qaeda affiliate forces and the Islamic State militant group and the addition of two AC-208 units will support the Iraqi air force’s fight against IS, DSCA noted.
The agency added it does not expect the sale to have an adverse effect on U.S. defense readiness programs and basic military balance in Iraq.
