Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States has approved a project to sustain the Iraq Air Force.

Officials said the administration of President Barack Obama approved an Iraqi request for a $500 million program to train and maintain Baghdad’s Air  Force.

They said the project would focus on the U.S.-origin helicopters in the Iraq Air Force.

“The government of Iraq has requested a possible sale to establish five years of contractor logistics support for its Bell 407, OH-58, and Huey II aircraft in support of the Iraq Aviation Command,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

In a statement on July 29, the Pentagon agency said Congress was notified of the Iraqi request during the previous day. DSCA said the proposed support would include maintenance, training, equpment and site surveys.

“The government of Iraq needs this logistics support, contractor maintenance, training, and technical services to maintain the operational capabilities of its aircraft,” DSCA said.

The Iraqi request came amid Baghdad’s drive to stop the advance of Islamic State of Iraq and Levant. Officials said the U.S. helicopter fleet in Iraq has been hampered by insufficient logistics and training.

Under the contract, the United States would send dozens of personnel to the Iraq Air Force. The prime contractor was identified as Bell Helicopter Textron, manufacturer of many of the platforms in the Iraqi helicopter
fleet.

“Implementation of this proposed sale will require approximately five U.S. government and 25 contractor representatives to travel to or reside in Iraq for a period of five years to establish maintenance support, on-the-job maintenance training and maintenance advice,” DSCA said.

  Bell-407, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Huey II, Iraq Aviation Command, maintenance for Iraqi fleet of helicopters, Obama administration agrees to continue boosting Iraq air force, OH-58