Sale Must Be Approved By U.S. Congress

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress this week of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq for Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $700 million.

The Government of Iraq has requested a proposed sale of commercially available FAA Air Traffic Control (ATC) Equipment Suite and Airfield Navigational Aids Suites to be installed at four bases (Tikrit, Al Basra, Al Kut, and Taji). The ATC Equipment Suite includes 4 ASR-11 Airport Surveillance Radars, 10 ATC Automation system with 10 controller consoles, 4 AutoTrac II Airfield Support and Navigation Suites, 2 Primary Search Radars and 2 Mono-pulse secondary surveillance radars. The Airfield Navigation Aids Suite includes 2 Very High Frequency Omni-directional Range (VORTAC) and 3 Instrument Landing Systems with Distance Measuring Equipment, 2 Airfield Lighting Systems with Flush Mounted Lights for the runway and taxiways, Air Traffic Control Tower Equipment Suite.

Also provided are site surveys, system integration, installation, testing, repair and return, facilities, warranties, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $700 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 Iraq government and serves the interests of the Iraqi people and the United States.
 
The proposed sale will contribute to Iraq’s continued efforts toward rebuilding its airfield systems at Tikrit, Al Basra, Al Kut, and Taji Air Bases for near-term basing of multiple aircraft. The renovations and upgrades to the airfields and systems will allow for greater ease in launch and recovery of aircraft and will enhance the overall sustainment to aircraft and affiliated systems. This equipment aids Iraq’s continuing reconstruction effort and directly improves Iraq’s ability to control its own airspace.
 
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
 
The principal contractor is unknown and will be determined through a competitive process. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

FMI: www.dsca.mi