Iraq Expects Russian Helicopters Mi-35 & Mi-28NE attack helicopters Delivery Next Month

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World Air Force News - Iraq
 
 
Iraq Expects Russian Helicopters Mi-35 & Mi-28NE attack helicopters Delivery Next Month.
 

According to Ria Novosti, The second consignment of Russian weapons and military equipment, to be delivered to Iraq under the deal signed in 2012, will arrive later than previously announced, a senior Iraqi lawmaker said on Sunday.

     
At a ceremony attended by more than 2,000 employees and guests, Lockheed Martin celebrated the production of its 100th F-35 Lightning II. Defense leaders Gen. Robin Rand, Commander, Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, and Brig. Gen. Michael Rothstein, Commander, 56th Fighter Wing, Luke AFB, Ariz., joined the employees who build the F-35 for the celebration.
Mi-35 (photo credit: )
     

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 said in November that the second shipment is expected by the end of the year.

“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.

He did not specify what types of arms and equipment were due to arrive.

The reason for the delay is unknown.

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.