Iraq's military goes shopping in Dubai, gets U.S. armored SUVs
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 Free Headline Alerts
ABU DHABI — The Iraq Defence, Security & Communications Summit has been scheduled for Feb. 16-17 in the United Arab Emirates' port of Dubai. Organizers said the conference would be attended by an Iraqi Defense Ministry delegation.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi Interior Ministry has taken delivery of nine armored vehicles from the United States, Middle East Newsline reported. The vehicles were identified as Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, which arrived in February as part of the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.
"We have waited for the arrival of these vehicles for a long time," Col. Ishmael, a ministry official who could not be fully identified, said. "These vehicles are very important to us in the ministry and for providing even better security." Officials said the value of the shipment was about $1.1 million. They said the vehicles, meant for deployment by the Iraqi police, were refitted with armor plating and other custom features in the United Arab Emirates.
In Dubai, the Iraqi delegation is to be led by Defense Minister Abdul Qadir Obeidi, accompanied by representatives of the Interior Ministry and National Security Ministry. The Interior Ministry of the autonomous Kurdish government is also to be represented.
Organizers said registration has been closed for the event, meant to focus on Iraqi defense requirements.
"Officials from the Ministries of Communications and Science and Technology will also be attending to discuss the technical services and solutions required for the defense and security sectors," a statement by the organizers said.
Obeidi said Iraq has sought artillery, combat vehicles, helicopters, main battle tanks and armored personnel carriers. The minister said he has scheduled meetings with Western contractors and defense officials.
Organizers said the U.S. Defense Department would send a large delegation, accompanied by military commanders and diplomats. Leading Western defense contractors, such as BAE Systems, EADS, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, would also attend.
The Iraqi Interior Ministry plans to receive more than 2,600 patrol cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks from the United States. The ministry has also ordered another 90 armored vehicles.
In 2007, Iraq ordered about $2 billion in ammunition, weapons, vehicles and equipment from the United States. Officials said the orders have been hampered by production delays.
The ministry has received uniforms, ammunition and weapons through the FMS program in 2008. Officials said the United States would also help construct and upgrade police and border stations as well as operate police training centers throughout Iraq.