Under the project, the Iraq Air Force would receive a phased-array radar
to track aircraft in the southern region of Iraq. Officials said Nasseriya
would mark one of four sites deployed for a nationwide air defense network.
Officials said the U.S. Air Force has been helping Baghdad with the
installation of the air defense network. They said the financing would
proceed through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program and include a
sectors operations center, administration and training building, life
support utilities, access roads and communications.
"As an Iraqi Air Force commander, I am proud to be here today to start
this great project for protecting Iraq's future," Anwar said.
The U.S. military has been training Iraqi airmen in air traffic control.
The cadets have been instructed and mentored to operate in the air traffic
control center in Baghdad, meant to monitor aircraft throughout most of
Iraq.
Officials said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was overseeing the
construction for Iraq's air defense network. They said the phased array
radar would be installed after the construction of an electronic systems
center.