The U.S. Department of State has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Iraq, valued at an estimated $100 million, for the procurement of a comprehensive Country Wide Repeater System (CWRS). This proposed agreement was formally notified to Congress by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, initiating the legislative review process.
Iraq’s formal request encompasses a wide array of advanced communication and technical equipment. This includes Radio Access Points (RAP), various handheld, vehicular, and base station radio systems, and sophisticated WiMax and line-of-sight systems. The request also covers essential support infrastructure such as shelters, solar power equipment, IT components like routers and switches, and Very Small Aperture Terminals. Furthermore, the package includes comprehensive personnel training, training equipment, studies, and extensive Contractor Logistics Support, alongside engineering and technical services from both U.S. Government and contractor personnel.
This potential sale is framed as a direct support mechanism for U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the capabilities of a strategic partner. The primary goal is to significantly improve Iraq’s critical command-and-control infrastructure, thereby bolstering its capacity to defend against regional threats. The advanced system is intended to strengthen Iraq’s ability to protect its national borders, critical energy infrastructure, and civilian population. The U.S. government assessment concludes that Iraq will face no difficulty in integrating these new articles and services into its existing armed forces. Importantly, the determination has been made that this sale will not alter the fundamental military balance within the region, nor will it have any adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness.
L3Harris Corporation, headquartered in Rochester, New York, has been identified as the principal contractor for this program. Currently, no offset agreements associated with this potential sale are known, though any such agreements would be established through subsequent negotiations between the Iraqi government and the contractor. To ensure successful implementation, the plan requires the assignment of two U.S. Government and five contractor representatives to Iraq for a period of five years. Their roles will involve conducting quarterly program management reviews, providing engineering consulting, and delivering in-country training. The stated $100 million value represents the highest estimate based on initial requirements, with the final cost subject to change based on finalized needs, budget authority, and the terms of a signed sales agreement.
