Iraqi Apache Deals Go-Ahead

摘要

A Foreign Military Sale (FMS) covering the supply of Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardians to Iraq has been received by the US Government. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which handles FMS requests, passed on the details of the proposed sale to congress on January 27. Iraq is seeking to acquire 24 AH-64Es, 480 AGM-114R Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and 60 M299 Hellfire launchers as part of the $4.8 billion package to fulfil its requirements for close air support, armed reconnaissance and anti-tank warfare missions. An additional FMS notification released on January 23 covered the sale of a further 500 AGM-114K/Rs to Iraq and 2.75in Hydra rockets will also be supplied to arm the Apaches.