US approves potential $100 million military communications sale to Iraq

The United States government has greenlit a potential $100 million military sale to Iraq for a sophisticated communications system. The US State Department approved the transaction for a Country Wide Repeater System, a move formally disclosed by the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

Bolstering Iraqi Defense Capabilities

The proposed sale is designed to significantly upgrade Iraq's military infrastructure. According to the agency, the system will improve Iraq's critical command-and-control capabilities, thereby bolstering its defense against regional threats. It is also intended to strengthen Iraq's capacity to protect its national borders, vital energy infrastructure, and civilian population.

Strategic Rationale and Contractor

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated that the sale advances US national security interests by supporting a key regional partner. The principal contractor for this potential defense deal has been identified as the L3Harris Corporation, a major defense contractor based in New York.

Congressional Notification Process

The required certification notifying the US Congress of this possible foreign military sale was delivered on Thursday. This step is a standard part of the US arms export process, initiating a legally mandated review period during which lawmakers can potentially block the sale, though such interventions are rare.