FMS: Iraq Requests King Air 350ER for ISR

Released on Wednesday, September 27, 2006

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq of King Air 350ER and potentially other aircraft, as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $900 million.

The Government of Iraq has requested a possible sale of: 24 King Air 350ER for Intelligence/Surveillance/Reconnaissance role with L-3 Wescam MX-15 Electro Optics/Infrared (EO/IR) system, plus 1 of the following Synthetic Aperture Radar(SAR/ISAR)/Inverse Synthetic: APS-134 Sea Vue or APS-143 Ocean Eye or RDR-1700 or Lynx II (APY-8) or APS144 or APY-12 Phoenix; 24 Data Link Systems (T-Series Model-U or T-Series Model-N or ADL850 or TCDL or BMT-85); 24 King Air 350ER or PZL M-18 Skytruck Aircraft for light transport role; 48 AAR-47 Missile Warning Systems; 48 ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing Systems; 6,000 M-206 Flare Cartridges; 50 Global Positioning System (GPS) and Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS).

Also included: support equipment, management support, spare and repair parts, supply support, training, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $900 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country. This proposed sale directly supports the Iraqi government and serves the interests of the Iraqi people and the United States.

This proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing Iraq's capacity to support U.S. Government efforts in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), as well as supporting Iraq's legitimate need for military independence.

These Intelligence/Surveillance/Reconnaissance and light transportation aircraft will provide the ability to survey the battlespace, provide valuable intelligence, and mobilize troops and carry equipment to the fight. Furthermore, they will help Iraq monitor and defend its borders, eliminating the need for a U.S. provided capability.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be: BAE Advanced Systems Greenlawn, New York; Raytheon Company Lexington, Massachusetts; Lockheed-Martin & Skytruck Companies Naples, Florida; Honeywell Morristown, New Jersey.

There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

The number of U.S. Government personnel and contractor representatives required in-country to support the program will be determined in joint negotiations as the program proceeds through the development and production phases.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.