Iraqi Armed forces

[The SC]

Iraq creates its own iron armor...an armored vehicle with high combat capabilities

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The Iraqi defense industry witnessed a remarkable development with the launch of local production of the Iraqi version of the VN22 six-wheel drive armored vehicle.

This vehicle, which is a modified version of the original model designed by the Chinese company Norinco, was unveiled to meet the specific needs of the Iraqi armed forces.

The Iraqi VN22 is characterized by high combat capabilities, as it is equipped with a manned combat station armed with a 12.7 mm CS LM5 triple-barreled machine gun, capable of firing up to 2,000 rounds per minute.

In addition, the vehicle is equipped with an active protection system similar to the Israeli Iron Fist system, which enhances its ability to withstand various threats.

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Outstanding technical specifications:

Protection: The structure is designed to withstand 14.5 mm shells and protect the crew and soldiers from mines.
Armament: 12.7 mm triple-barreled machine gun, smoke grenade launchers, and active protection system.
Crew and Soldiers: The vehicle accommodates a driver, a commander, a battle station operator, and 8 infantrymen.
Production: Parts of the vehicle are manufactured locally.

This strategic project aims to build an advanced defense industrial base in Iraq, which will contribute to enhancing its military capabilities and reducing dependence on imports. This local production also provides job and training opportunities for Iraqi cadres in the field of defense industries.

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The importance of this achievement:

The launch of VN22 production locally represents an important step in the modernization and development process witnessed by the Iraqi Armed Forces. It also reflects the fruitful cooperation between Iraq and China in the field of defense industries.

The VN22 armored vehicle is a qualitative addition to the Iraqi Armed Forces, as it will contribute to enhancing their capabilities to carry out various combat missions and protect the country’s security.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1833103206882136323

 

[The SC]

Iraq concludes a huge deal with Airbus to modernize its air fleet
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The Iraqi government concluded an agreement to purchase 12 Caracal H225M multi-role combat helicopters with the European aviation giant, Airbus.

The agreement was signed in the capital, Baghdad, in the presence of senior Iraqi and French officials, where Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Al-Abbasi stressed the importance of this deal in enhancing the capabilities of the Iraqi armed forces.

“Caracal”: a multi-mission strike force

The Caracal helicopter is considered one of the most modern multi-mission combat helicopters in the world, and is equipped with the latest systems and weapons that enable it to perform a wide range of missions, including search and rescue, tactical transport, medical evacuation, maritime counter-terrorism, and providing fire support to ground forces.



A strategic deal that enhances military cooperation between Iraq and France.

The director of the Airbus Helicopters branch in the Middle East and North Africa, Arnaud Montalvo, explained that the delivery of the 12 helicopters will begin at the beginning of 2025, noting that this deal comes within the framework of strengthening military cooperation between Iraq and France.

 

[The SC]

Iraq requests advanced South Korean M-SAM II air defense systems



The M-SAM-II, also known as Cheongung II, is celebrated for its advanced capabilities and reliability in modern combat scenarios. Developed by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and manufactured by LIG Nex1, the M-SAM-II offers robust defense against various aerial threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. One of its standout features is its advanced radar system, which can simultaneously detect and track multiple targets. This multi-function radar ensures high target identification and engagement accuracy, making the M-SAM-II a formidable defense asset.

Additionally, the M-SAM-II employs hit-to-kill technology in its interceptor missiles, designed to neutralize incoming threats through kinetic energy. This technology significantly enhances the probability of a successful interception while minimizing the risk of collateral damage.

The M-SAM-II has emerged as one of the most sought-after surface-to-air missile systems on the global stage. Recent contracts, including a $3.2 billion deal with Saudi Arabia and a $3.5 billion contract with the United Arab Emirates, attest to its popularity. Coupled with Iraq's recent request, these contracts amount to a staggering $9.2 billion within just one to two years, solidifying the M-SAM-II's position as Korea's most successful defense product alongside the K9 artillery system.



Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Al-Abbasi announced the completion of the contract file for South Korean missile air defense systems, which will most likely be of the M-SAM II model, and revealed that the contract will be signed next week.

Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Al-Abbasi also stated that new deals will be made to develop the Iraqi army’s artillery by signing a contract for the advanced French CAESAR 155 mm artillery. He also revealed a plan to modernize and develop Abrams tanks.



He added that the Iraqi armament file witnessed a qualitative and significant leap under the government of the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, Muhammad Shia al-Sudani, who provided technical committees and support to pay for the value of the weapons in a flexible manner, so that the contract and receipt of the weapons are made and then payment is made for a period of 8 years so as not to affect the general budget. .

Iraq has ordered the M-SAM-II air defense and ballistic missile system from South Korea in a potential deal worth $2.56 billion.

Eight M-SAM-II batteries are on Baghdad's wish list to be delivered “urgently,” according to a report by Army Recognition, citing a person familiar with the order.

The planned acquisition by Iraq comes more than a month after it announced its desire to acquire new air defense systems, with a preference for South Korean systems.

 

[The SC]

The American and Iraqi governments reached an agreement on the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq.



Under the agreement reached, hundreds of coalition soldiers will begin leaving the country in September 2025, with the last of them leaving the country in 2026.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us-ir...s-withdraw-first-year-sources-say-2024-09-06/

 

[The SC]

Iraq requests the assistance of the Egyptian army to train and qualify its special forces



The Secretary General of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, Special Forces Lieutenant General Ahmed Dawoud Salman Al-Khafaji, headed a high-level military delegation on an official visit to Cairo to discuss aspects of joint military cooperation between Egypt and Iraq.

During his official visit, which lasted for several days, the Secretary General of the Iraqi Army conducted many tours and inspection visits to the most important facilities of the Ministry of Defense and the Egyptian Special Forces training centers. He also met with the head of the training authority in the Egyptian Armed Forces, who welcomed this visit, expressing his happiness for the restoration of military cooperation. Joint cooperation between Iraq and Egypt, according to an official statement by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.

The Iraqi Ministry of Defense statement stated that Iraq is currently working on forming a new special forces division, consisting of four brigades, one of which will be a paratrooper brigade and will be sent to Egypt to prepare, train and qualify its members by the Egyptian paratrooper forces.

During his visit, the Secretary-General of the Iraqi Army inspected the training center for the Egyptian Thunderbolt Forces Command, where a presentation was given on the origins and development of the Egyptian Thunderbolt Forces. After that, atypical shooting was attended at the electronic shooting range.

The Iraqi delegation also visited an exhibition of weapons, equipment and vehicles used by the Thunderbolt Forces. During the tour led by the Thunderbolt Forces, they attended a training activity at a competitive shooting range, in addition to conducting a simulation of an attack on a facility where hostages were being held. At the end of the inspection tour, the Secretary General of the Iraqi Army and his accompanying delegation were briefed on On the training areas of the Egyptian Thunderbolt and Parachute Forces commands.

This cooperation comes within the framework of the agreement concluded between Egypt and Iraq since 2016, which stipulates that the Egyptian army will train and qualify thousands of volunteers in the ranks of the Iraqi Special Forces.

The Iraqi Minister of Defense had made an official visit to Egypt earlier last year, which included meeting with senior leaders of the Egyptian army, and inspecting a number of military factories as well as Egyptian defense products, including armored vehicles from the Crocodile family, and ST-100 and ST-500 armored vehicles produced by One of the Egyptian private sector companies, in addition to the “Fahd” armored personnel carriers, and the “Hafez” air munitions, produced by the Arab Organization for Industrialization.

https://aboutmsr.com/العراق-يطلب-مساعدة-مصر-لتدريب-و-تأهيل-ق/

 

[The SC]

Iraq signs a contract with a Korean company to purchase advanced air defense systems​

Yesterday, Thursday, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense signed a contract with the South Korean company LIG Nex1 to purchase advanced M-SAM air defense systems.

The Ministry stated in a statement, “The Ministry of Defense signed a contract, with a South Korean company, to equip the Defense Command with a set of advanced medium-range batteries as an air defense weapon, which will support the capabilities of the Iraqi army and military forces to maintain peace and Iraq’s sovereignty.”

Defense Minister Thabet Al-Abbasi said while attending the signing of the contract, “The completion of this contract was carried out with the support and continuous follow-up of the Prime Minister, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and it is considered a qualitative strategic breakthrough for air defense. It covers all Iraqi airspace and achieves the country’s regional balance.”

This is #Iraq which is trying to build a strong army again.. Today it officially requested advanced air defense systems from #South_Korea

Urgent deal includes 8 M-SAM-II batteries

One battery of the system is armed with 20+ missiles with a range of 40+ km

The leadership's goal now is to protect the country's skies amid continuing regional tensions

https://twitter.com/x/status/1836890136178479285

Reasons for choosing the M-SAM system

Iraq chose the South Korean M-SAM system for several strategic and technical reasons that meet its defense needs and contribute to enhancing its air capabilities. The most prominent of these reasons are:

1. Advanced technology: The M-SAM system relies on “Hit-to-Kill” technology, which provides high accuracy in intercepting air threats such as warplanes, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, providing Iraq with an effective means of defense to confront diverse threats.
2. Affordability: M-SAM is an economical option compared to other air defense systems such as the US Patriot system. The cost of one missile is about $1.1 million, which makes the system effective in terms of performance and cost, and enables Iraq to strengthen its air defenses with a reasonable budget.
3. Training and technical support: The agreement with South Korea includes comprehensive training for Iraqi technical and combat personnel on operating and maintaining the system, which ensures Iraq’s ability to manage the system independently and effectively.
4. The system's suitability to Iraq's security needs: Iraq faces various threats, including drones and ballistic missiles launched by armed groups. M-SAM is considered an integrated and effective solution to protect Iraqi airspace from these threats.
5. Diversifying sources of armament: Iraq’s choice of an air defense system from South Korea represents an important step towards diversifying sources of armament and reducing dependence on the United States, which enhances Iraq’s independence in making its defense decisions and protects its national sovereignty away from political pressures.

This step confirms Iraq's determination to build strong local defense capabilities to confront any future threats, and to strengthen its control over its airspace.