Oct 12/12: Iraq. Iraq signs a $1 billion deal with the Czech Republic to deliver 28 L-159 trainers and light attack aircraft, and train Iraq’s pilots. Local Iraqi TV says that they’ll also set up a T-72 tank upgrade facility within Iraq, which may have been the decisive edge that helped them clinch the L-159 deal.

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...or-Iraq-05255/


With eyes on the yet unsold L-159 planes, Vondra said the Iraq deal had “referential value” and that he expected more contracts on the heels of this one, adding the ministry would declare a public tender on Oct. 24.

“Aero will also launch new production, and the army will take part in the training,” he said to name the benefits of the deal.

Dulaimi called the deal a “first step” in cooperation between the two countries, saying the ministers had also discussed an upgrade of the Iraqi army’s Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters and T-72 tanks, and the training of Iraqi army officers.

http://www.defensenews.com/article/2...Czech-Minister



T-72M4CZ Main Battle Tanks