The Defense Department has informed Congress of a proposed $2.3 billion weapons sale to Iraq meant to convert the Iraq Army into a force based on U.S. weapons and platforms, Middle East Newsline reported. The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the deal would include helicopter upgrades, vehicles, munitions and communications in an effort to expand the Iraq Army by 25 battalions and a brigade headquarters.

"This expansion will enable Iraq to equip new forces to assume the missions currently accomplished by U.S. and coalition forces and to sustain themselves in their efforts to bring stability to the country," the Pentagon agency said on Sept. 26.

Under the proposal, Iraq would receive 980 M1151 High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles and 123,544 M-16A4 assault rifles. The M-16s would replace the Russian-origin AK-47 Kalashnikov used under the former Saddam Hussein regime.

Under the proposal, the United States would upgrade 32 UH-1 utility helicopters, manufactured by Bell Helicopters. The upgrade would enhance the UH-1's capabilities to the so-called Huey-2 configuration.

Officials said no contractors have yet been selected. They said the deal did not contain offset agreements.

Iraq would also receive 189 armored land cruisers, 1,815 light utility trucks, 33 bulldozers and other vehicles. The Iraq Army would be allocated 4,800 base station radios and 6,490 VHF handheld radios.

"The proposed sale of ammunition for small arms, vehicles, grenades, pyrotechnics, munitions, communication equipment, clothing and individual equipment, upgrade and refurbishment of 32 UH-I Huey helicopters to UH-2 configuration, and support will enable the Iraqi Army to expand their force structure by 25 battalions and a brigade headquarters," the agency said.