Ukraine, Iraq in $2.5 Bn Weapons Deal
Oct 10, 2012 12:55 UTCIn late 2009, reports surfaced that a $2.5 billion defense agreement between the Ukraine and the Iraqi Ministry of Defense could involve 420 of Khariv Morozov’s BTR-4 8×8 wheeled armored personnel carriers, 6 of Antonov ASTC/ Aviant’s AN-32B light military transport planes, and repair work on 2 of Iraq’s Mi-8T military helicopters. These contracts are a significant boost to the Ukraine’s defense exports, and make that country one of Iraq’s top defense suppliers.
Contracts were signed, and manufacturing is underway, but the process has had its hangups and issues. Including inspection issues that delayed Iraqi acceptance of the deal’s key platforms. Now, deliveries are underway.