Special to WorldTribune.com

BAGHDAD — Iraq has received advanced air defense systems from Russia.

Officials said Russia has sent its first Pantsyr-S1 air defense system to Iraq.

The officials said the Pantsyr marked the second stage of a $4.2 billion defense contract with Baghdad, which also includes fighter-jets, attack helicopters and armored combat vehicles.

“The weapons have been delivered under the contract signed in July 2014,” Almada Press Agency said.

The Iraqi news agency said Pantsyr arrived in late September 2014 amid the war with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Almada said several systems arrived but did not specify.

The Pantsyr, also known as the SA-22, marked the most advanced air defense system in the Iraqi military. Baghdad ordered the air defense system as part of the $4.2 billion deal with Moscow, an agreement suspended by a parliamentary investigation in 2013.

Under the 2013 agreement, Iraq was expected to receive up to 50 Pantsyr systems. Officials said the Pantsyrs would comprise the backbone of a nationwide air defense system.

Officials said Iraq also received the S-18 Igla shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile. They said Baghdad would receive several shipment of the Igla systems, employed for low-altitude air defense.

  Pantsyr-S1, Russia delivers first air defense system to Iraq as part of $4.2 billion deal, S-18 Igla