US mulls AC-208 sale to Iraq
The US State Department has made a determination approving a potential Foreign Military Sale of AC-208 Combat Caravan light attack aircraft, and related support, training and equipment to Iraq, at an estimated cost is $65.3 million.
The Iraqi government has requested two Cessna AC-208 aircraft. Equipment for the aircraft requested includes: AN/AAQ-35 electro-optical infrared imaging system, AN/AAR-60 missile launch warning system, AN/ALE-47 electronic countermeasure dispenser, dual rail LAU-131 Hellfire launcher capability on each wing, and spare parts.
Orbital ATK will be the principal contractor of the sale if it goes ahead.
The AC-208 Combat Caravan is a missionized Cessna 208 aircraft. The two requested AC-208s will join Iraq’s existing fleet of three AC-208s and three C-208, purchased in 2008.
More from Defence Notes
-
From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)
Philipp von Brandenstein, Head of Corporate Communications at Rheinmetall, explains how Eurosatory 2026 marked a new stage in the company's evolution.
-
US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system
The US Department of Defense has requested new contracting authorities from Congress, using the Army's MV-75 Cheyenne programme to demonstrate how competition, digital engineering and closer industry collaboration could accelerate acquisitions.
-
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
-
Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align
General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada is the country’s first strategic partner under the Defence Industrial Strategy’s Strategic Partnership Framework, an effort to provide companies with confidence to invest and boost the defence labour force.
-
New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”
The UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones made her first appearance in the role before the House of Commons Defence Committee this week to highlight efforts to improve capability in the High North.
-
Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes
Ottawa explores expanding defence-industrial cooperation with Washington into sensitive programmes, an approach that could reshape NORAD modernisation, strengthen North American supply chains and create new opportunities for defence contractors.