Iraq Expects Delivery Of Russian Weaponry In 2014

Iraq is expecting the delivery of Russian weapons and military equipment next month, a senior Iraqi official was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti.

“The second batch of Russian weapons will arrive in Iraq in January,” said Muhammed al-Aqili, a deputy head of the ruling faction in the Iraqi parliament.

The delivery is expected to arrive later than previously announced, reason for the delay is unknown.

Last year, Iraq signed a $4.3 billion deal with Moscow to buy Russian weapons and military equipment, including around 40 Mi-35 and Mi-28NE attack helicopters. Iraq took collection of the first four Mi-35 helicopter gunships this fall.

Iraqi officials were quoted as saying in the report that the second shipment is expected by the end of the year.

Iraq is looking to use the newly bought military materiel to bolster its borders and for use in antiterrorist operations.

The 2012 contract also envisages the purchase of 48 Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile gun systems and Ka-52 single-seat attack helicopters.