The approval of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq for M1151A1 Up-Armored High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWWs) has been approved by the US State Department. The cost is estimated to be at $101 million which includes associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.

The certification notice of a possible sale as requested by the government of Iraq was issued on May 13, 2014 by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Aside from the HMMWVs, the possible sale estimated at $101 million includes 200 M M1151A1 Up-Armored High Mobility Multi- Purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) with M2 .50 cal. machine gun mounts, commercial radios, communication equipment, repair and spare parts, publications and technical documentation, tools and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor logistics and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

This deal is seen to strengthen United States’ foreign policy and national security as it aids in the strengthening of a strategic partner’s security. The government of Iraq will be directly supported by this deal at the same time benefiting the people of both the U.S. and Iraqi governments.

Seeing that Iraq’s armed forces can easily absorb the additional HMMWVs into its fold, the possible sale is seen to strengthen Iraq’s oil infrastructure defense against terrorist attacks, safety, effectiveness and aid in the autonomy of Iraqi Army’s Oil Pipeline Security Division.

No changes in the region’s basic military balance is expected to happen amidst the proposed sale of the equipments nor will there be any requirements for representatives of the U.S. government or the contractor to travel to Iraq.

No offset agreements resulting from the possible sale was known and is not expected to have an adverse impact on the readiness of the U.S. defense. The chief contractor in the proposed deal is South Bend, Indiana’s AM General.

iraqinews.com