US Approves AC-208 Aircraft Sale To Iraq

The US State Department has approved a $65.3 million worth sale of AC-208 aircraft to Iraq today to continue its fight against ISIL.

The Government of Iraq had requested to purchase two Cessna AC-208 aircraft include dual rail LAU-131 Hellfire launcher capability on each wing, AN/ALE-47 electronic countermeasure dispenser, AN/AAR-60 Missile Launch Warning System, AN/AAQ-35 ElectroOptical Infrared Imaging System, contractor aircraft modifications, spare parts, publication updates, aircraft ferry, and miscellaneous parts. The contract includes related equipment, training, and support.

Iraq originally purchased three AC-208 and C-208 aircraft in 2008. The Cessna aircraft are used to support Iraqi military operations against IS militants. 

The Cessna 208 Caravan is a passenger and utility aircraft developed in the 1980s. ATK developed a combat variant of the Cessna 208 by incorporating intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance features.

The AC-208 Combat Caravan is armed with Hellfire missiles. Other upgrades over the basic Cessna Grand Caravan include an electro-optical targeting system with an integrated laser designator, air-to-ground and air-to-air data link and self-protection equipment.