WASHINGTON — Iraq has ordered nearly $500 million in vehicles for
its military.
Officials said the Iraq Army has relayed a requirement for $463 million
worth of U.S. trucks, trailers, ambulances, motorcycles and other vehicles.
They said the vehicles would improve mobility of the army and help establish
new units.
"This proposed sale supports the Iraqi Prime Minister Al Maliki
Initiative to train and equip an additional 30,000 additional Iraqi soldiers
to accelerate the transition of combat operations in Iraq from coalition to
Iraqi National Forces, and is funded by Iraqi national funds," the Defense
Security Cooperation Agency said.
On Dec. 8, the Pentagon agency informed Congress of the proposed sale of
equipment that would facilitate the establishment of an Iraqi military
brigade headquarters as well as battalions. Officials said Congress was
expected to approve the sale to Iraq, Middle East Newsline reported.
The agency said Iraq has sought 522 high mobility multipurpose wheeled
vehicles, or HMMWVs, and 276 infantry light armored vehicles. Other vehicles
included 102 ambulances, 78 motorcycles, 14 4x4 commercial sport utility
vehicles, eight heavy tracked recovery vehicles, 78 new sedans and 68 used
sedans.
Officials said the vehicles requested by the Iraq Army would decrease
dependency on the U.S. military for the transport of equipment. Under the
proposal, Iraq would acquire 668 4x4 commercial light utility trucks, 578
commercial trailers for 8-ton cargo, 66 8-ton cargo heavy trucks, six 40-ton
trailer lowboys and five commercial car carriers.
"This proposed sale is critical in that it helps the Iraqi government
overcome internal contracting shortcomings, makes effective use of calendar
year 2007 fiscal resources, and makes substantial investments in its own
defense," the agency said. "The vehicles will advance the U. S. government's
efforts to transition combat operations to the Iraqi armed forces."
