https://al-sura.com/iraq-looks-to-russia-for-advance-s400-air-defense-system/
The priorities for Iraq have changed now that it’s most pressing concerns of ISIS are quelled. Prior to the rise of ISIS in terms of land holdings, Iraq was in negotiations with Russia for S300 air defense systems. Iraq had already signed a deal and received deliveries of Mi-35 and Mi-28 Night Hunter helicopters, Pantsir S-1 short-range air defense systems and a variety of other deals. However in a landmark 4.7 billion dollar deal between Iraq and Russia there was several items that were put on hold such as the T90 tanks and BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles. Due to budget constraints the money was diverted to more immediate needs against ISIS putting on hold a lot of purchases.
Recently we saw the delivery of the T90 tanks into Iraq from Russia and in the next few weeks the BMP-3 fighting vehicles. What was not singed for but talked about however was the S300 and today Al Sura can confirm Iraq has sent a delegation to discuss a sale of the S400 air defense system. An upgrade from the S300 originally discussed as Iraq wants to keep up with it’s neighbors air defense systems and also ensure maximum protection given Iraq’s minimal air to air strength with much of it’s airforce tailored to precision air to ground strikes.
What else is on the table? Iraqi requests continue with the desire to expand the Iraqi airforce by 2020 to have a fleet of Russian jet fighters for interception and air defense purposes while maintaining the American F16 fleet for predominately precision strikes as well as air defense. The US has limited Iraq’s air to air capabilities on the Block 52 F16 fleet to only AIM-9 missiles which are short range, Iraq requires a long range missile to match it’s neighbors. Russia however is in the process of moving towards Mig-35 production and this may be what Iraq is waiting for in large order volumes as the Mig-35 is tailored to interception missions, it’s expected time to service is 2018 with the export model offered to Iraq.
The growth of the Iraqi military is tantamount to it’s protection as the war on ISIS has shown. Initially Iraq was facing heavy issues in both manpower, equipment and lack of air force but after the 4 year war Iraq has grown considerably in both local training and equipment. The rehabilitation of Iraq requires a capable military, the additional security and reliability of the state has been a key point discussed by investors looking to build in Iraq.
The priorities for Iraq have changed now that it’s most pressing concerns of ISIS are quelled. Prior to the rise of ISIS in terms of land holdings, Iraq was in negotiations with Russia for S300 air defense systems. Iraq had already signed a deal and received deliveries of Mi-35 and Mi-28 Night Hunter helicopters, Pantsir S-1 short-range air defense systems and a variety of other deals. However in a landmark 4.7 billion dollar deal between Iraq and Russia there was several items that were put on hold such as the T90 tanks and BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles. Due to budget constraints the money was diverted to more immediate needs against ISIS putting on hold a lot of purchases.
Recently we saw the delivery of the T90 tanks into Iraq from Russia and in the next few weeks the BMP-3 fighting vehicles. What was not singed for but talked about however was the S300 and today Al Sura can confirm Iraq has sent a delegation to discuss a sale of the S400 air defense system. An upgrade from the S300 originally discussed as Iraq wants to keep up with it’s neighbors air defense systems and also ensure maximum protection given Iraq’s minimal air to air strength with much of it’s airforce tailored to precision air to ground strikes.
What else is on the table? Iraqi requests continue with the desire to expand the Iraqi airforce by 2020 to have a fleet of Russian jet fighters for interception and air defense purposes while maintaining the American F16 fleet for predominately precision strikes as well as air defense. The US has limited Iraq’s air to air capabilities on the Block 52 F16 fleet to only AIM-9 missiles which are short range, Iraq requires a long range missile to match it’s neighbors. Russia however is in the process of moving towards Mig-35 production and this may be what Iraq is waiting for in large order volumes as the Mig-35 is tailored to interception missions, it’s expected time to service is 2018 with the export model offered to Iraq.
The growth of the Iraqi military is tantamount to it’s protection as the war on ISIS has shown. Initially Iraq was facing heavy issues in both manpower, equipment and lack of air force but after the 4 year war Iraq has grown considerably in both local training and equipment. The rehabilitation of Iraq requires a capable military, the additional security and reliability of the state has been a key point discussed by investors looking to build in Iraq.
