The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Iraq of C-172 and AC/RC-208 aircraft contractor logistics support and training and related equipment, the US Defense Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA) announced on 15 April 2024.
The proposed sale, worth an estimated USD 140 million (EUR 131 million), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.
“The proposed sale will improve Iraq’s capability to meet current and future threats by helping to sustain its C-172 and AC/RC-208 aircraft and contribute to Iraq’s self-sufficiency in maintaining its fleet,” the DSCA stated in its notification.
The Iraqi Air Force has eight Cessna C-172 light aircraft that it uses for flight training, two Cessna AC-208 Combat Caravan aircraft configured for ground attack and six Cessna RC-208 reconnaissance aircraft that are also used for training.
The principal contractor for the work will be Northrop Grumman out of its facilities in Falls Church, Virginia.
