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.

FMI: www.dsca.mil