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US clears $800 million military sale to bolster Iraq's security
The proposed deal includes helicopters, machine guns, rocket systems and sensor equipment for Iraq.
US clears $800 million military sale to bolster Iraq's security
The US State Department said the proposed package would strengthen Iraq's security capabilities. [File photo] / AP

The US has approved a possible $800 million foreign military sale to Iraq involving Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M helicopters and related equipment, the US State Department said on Monday.

The proposed package includes helicopters, GAU-19 three-barrel machine guns, rocket systems, electro-optical/infrared sensors, missile launch detection systems, radios, spare parts, and ground support equipment.

It also covers pilot and maintenance training, as well as US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support, according to a department statement.

The department said the proposed sale would support US foreign policy and national security interests by strengthening the security capabilities of a strategic partner.

The package is intended to enhance Iraq's ability to respond to current and future threats, particularly by improving its rotary-wing transport, reconnaissance, and air-to-surface targeting capabilities, according to the department.

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SOURCE:َAA