Iraq seeks air traffic control and landing system from US

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) for commercial federal aviation administration air traffic control and landing system/navigational aids and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support to Iraq.

Under the estimated $60m FMS, Iraq has also requested for an ASR-11 Radar, Autotrac II simulator, instrument landing system, and airfield lighting system, spare and repair parts.

Additional items included in the proposed package are support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, site survey, installation, US government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and programme support.

The sale will help Iraq to enhance its security and rebuild airfield systems at Tikrit Air Base for basing of multiple aircraft in the near future, in addition to contributing to the foreign policy and national security of the US.

The upgrades to the airfield and its systems will also allow the country’s armed forces to easily launch and recover aircraft and will benefit the overall sustainment of aircraft and affiliated systems in future.

The package will help Iraq’s continuing reconstruction effort to directly improve its ability to control its own airspace and safeguard its own sovereignty, while not altering the basic military balance in the region.

Details about the prime contractor(s) have not been disclosed.