Iraq Buys More Russian Helicopters

(MoneyWatch)  The fledgling Iraqi Air Force is slowly being outfitted with a combination of Russian and U.S. equipment. So far it has purchased UH-1 and Mi-17 helicopters as well as some small fixed wing assets. Military & Aerospace Electronics reports that the U.S. Army awarded ARINC a contract to oversee the purchase and delivery of 22 Mi-17 aircraft to Iraq as well as avionics systems. This $80 million contract follows one awarded last year for another 22 Mi-17's. The aircraft will be constructed at the Mil plant in Ulan Ude with some further contract work in the U.S. and the UAE. The majority of former members of the Iraqi forces are familiar with Soviet and Russian equipment as so much was purchased under Saddam. This makes it easier and more efficient to continue using this type of material in the future. If the Iraqi military is going to adopt more American style doctrine and training then a large number of utility helicopters will be required as they are key to enhancing the mobility of forces. So a large fleet of Mi-17 and UH-1 aircraft makes sense.