Italians Hope To Acquire UAV's, Iraqis Want Helicopters
The Defense Security Cooperation
Agency notified Congress November 18 of a possible Foreign Military
Sale to Italy of two unarmed MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs),
one Mobile Ground Control Station and associated parts, equipment
and logistical support worth approximately $63 million.
The Government of Italy has requested a possible sale of two
unarmed MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), one Mobile Ground
Control Station, maintenance support, engineering support, test
equipment, ground support, operational flight test support,
communications equipment, technical assistance, personnel
training/equipment, spare and repair parts, and other related
elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $63
million.
Italy is a major political and economic power in NATO and a key
democratic partner of the United States in ensuring peace and
stability around the world.
DSCA said Italy requested these capabilities to provide for the
defense of deployed troops, regional security, and interoperability
with the United States. This program will increase Italy's ability
to contribute to future NATO, coalition, and anti-terrorism
operations that the U.S. may undertake. By acquiring this
capability, Italy will be able to provide greater protection for
its forces.
MQ-9 UAV
The DSCA notified Congress the same day of a possible Foreign
Military Sale to Iraq of 15 helicopters with associated parts,
equipment, training and logistical support for a complete package
worth approximately $1.2 billion.
The Government of Iraq has requested a possible sale of up to 15
AgustaWestland AW109 Light Utility Observation helicopters, or
alternatively, 15 Bell Model 429 Medical Evacuation and Aerial
Observation helicopters, or 15 EADS North America UH-72A Lakota
Light Utility helicopters; and, up to 12 AgustaWestland AW139
Medium Utility helicopters, or alternatively, 12 Bell Model 412
Medium Utility helicopters, or 12 Sikorsky UH-60M BLACK HAWK
helicopters equipped with 24 T700-GE-701D engines. Also included:
spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, support
equipment, personnel training and training equipment, ground
support, communications equipment, U.S. Government and contractor
provided technical and logistics support services, tools and test
equipment, and other related elements of logistics support. The
estimated cost is $1.2 billion.
UH-72A Lakota
DSCA told Congress the proposed sale will contribute to the
foreign policy and national security of the United States by
helping to improve the security of a friendly country. This
proposed sale directly supports the Iraq government and serves the
interests of the Iraqi people and the U.S. The agency said it will
advance Iraqi efforts to develop a strong national military and
police authority. A well-equipped and trained military and
police/border force patrol authority and counter-terrorism force
will help ensure that Iraq can continue to sustain its
democratically-elected government, assist in stabilizing the
various provinces, and prevent an overflow of unrest into the
provinces, cities, and towns within Iraq.
DSCA says these proposed sales would not alter the basic
military balance in either region.