Posted on 02/13/2010 6:18:12 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Iraq has been examining a weapons offer by Pakistan. Officials said the Iraqi Defense Ministry has been briefed on a range of weapons and platforms from Islamabad. They said an Iraqi delegation has attended demonstrations of several platforms, including armored personnel carriers and main battle tanks.
"We are seeking both weapons and the option of technology and coproduction," an official said.
Officials said Islamabad has been marketing air and land platforms to the Iraqi military and security forces. They said this could include the Khalid MBT, air trainers and fighter-jets, including the Chinese-origin JF-17, marketed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.
Pakistan has been a military supplier to Iraq since 2005. The Iraqi security forces have purchased the Talha APC as well as the Mohafiz armored combat vehicle.
Officials said Baghdad has sought Pakistani help in rebuilding Iraq's defense industry. They said the Defense Ministry wants Pakistan to first sell and then help establish factories for the production of mortars, light weapons and ammunition.
The Iraqi Defense Ministry has sought to increase procurement of mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and other munitions as the U.S. military prepares to leave the Arab country. Officials said Baghdad does not want to rely on the United States or any other sole military supplier.
In February 2010, an Iraqi Defense Ministry delegation arrived in Islamabad and conducted talks on expanding military training. Officials said the delegaton, led by Iraq Army training commander Maj. Gen. Mohammed Fiza, discussed sending Iraqi officers to Pakistan.
"This would open a new area of cooperation with Pakistan that could lead to a steady supply of weapons and technology," the official said.
(Excerpt) Read more at geostrategy-direct.com ...
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I would not give arms to Pakistan. The government is ready to fall to Islamic extremists and on top of that,armed with nuclear weapons. We should be concetrating all of our efforts to woo India away from Russia.
Of course we took out Saddam so the Iraqi are in their right to seek to rearm their nation. Hopefully this time around it will be geared only for defense of the homeland.
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