Washington begins preparation for the training of Iraqi pilots on Apache

Washington begins preparation for the training of Iraqi pilots on Apache



Training begins in early March

02/28/14 BAGHDAD / obelisk: U.S. military began preparing for a major military training program for pilots on the leadership of the Iraqi attack helicopters Apache AH-64, and American officials said that the program will begin early March 2014 in Iraq.

Officials said the U.S. military began preparing for training Iraqi counterpart on the operation and leadership of an attack helicopter Apache AH-64, noting that the program begins in early March and again in 2014 in Iraq.

An official site of the World Tribune that "things are moving quickly in this first phase of the program.

U.S. officials had said the first phase of the program include the U.S. 16 pilot training Iraqi leadership on Apache.

He explained Maj. Gen. William Bender, deputy director of the Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq that the training project includes private contractors.

The administration of President Barack Obama has agreed to an Iraqi request to buy 24 Apache helicopter AH-64E in a deal worth 4.8 billion dollars, and includes the first phase of the project, hire six Apache helicopters to train Iraqi pilots.

Bender said at a news conference, "Boeing did not start the company contracted by Iraq to produce the Apache aircraft requested by Iraq."

The deal Apache helicopters, which were not challenged by Congress, the deal is the second major project in the sale of U.S. arms to Iraq has signed a contract executed by the Iraqi government during 30 years with Lockheed Martin to supply 36 fighter aircraft type F-16

The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon), told Congress in January 28 project sale 24 combat helicopter Apache to Iraq worth $ 4.8 billion.

Asked Baghdad for months from Washington to provide these aircraft, but a number of parliamentarians, the Americans had objected to the deal, fearing that used by Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to attack groups other than al-Qaeda.

It was before Congress 30 days in order to submit objections and not become a potential deal is valid, but not announced until now and after the expiry of the deadline for any serious attempt to intercept.

The draft contract 24 helicopters with their equipment and spare parts. The sale also includes Iraq 480 Hellfire missile, which anti-tank weapon can be called from helicopters or planes.

A statement by the Agency for cooperation in defense and security, in charge of arms sales abroad that "the proposed sale of this supports the strategic interests of the United States by supplying Iraq with essential means to protect itself from terrorist threats, traditional and improving the protection of oil installations essential."

The statement added that these helicopters will be used in "air support missions for troops on the ground and from operations and reconnaissance missions against tanks."

In addition, the agency told Congress draft a separate contract for the rental Iraq six Apache helicopters Other valued at 1.37 billion dollars.

These allow the deal to the Iraqi army "to begin operational training operations and maintenance" pending the receipt of the 24 helicopters, a process that requires months, if not years.

And six leased helicopters will not be used in operations, especially to cope with the current situation in Anbar province.

On the other hand, the Pentagon told Congress Friday to draft another contract for the sale of 500 Hellfire missile Baghdad worth 82 million dollars.

Washington has delivered about 75 Hellfire missile to Baghdad in mid-December / December

The Pentagon noted that a hundred Hellfire missile and 10 extra drones from the model population Eagle will be handed over to Baghdad in the spring.

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