| The French couldn't help liberate Iraq but are happy to do business. Figures. |
BAGHDAD - Iraq has signed deals with the United States and Europe to buy dozens of military helicopters that will be delivered over the next two years, the defence ministry spokesman said on Monday.
Major General Mohammed al-Askari said the government had placed orders with US and European groups for what he described as 'dozens' of helicopters, but declined to give a precise number. A senior military source, however, told AFP that 'Iraq has agreed with the United States and European countries to buy more than 40 helicopters.' 'We will receive all these helicopters in the next two years,' the source said, noting that the US would supply 30 of the aircraft, mainly to be used in the fight against terrorism.
| That's good. I don't mind Euro companies getting a share of the orders but I'd hate to think the Iraqis would forget who stood by them. |
Last month, French defence minister Herve Morin and his Iraqi counterpart Abdel Kader Obeidi announced the purchase by Baghdad of 24 multi-purpose Eurocopter EC 635 helicopters. The deal for the transport helicopters, which can carry up to seven soldiers and also engage in reconnaissance and search and rescue missions, is worth 360 million dollars. They form part of the order mentioned by the Iraqi security source.
In addition, France is preparing to sell to Iraq six Gazelle helicopters to train Iraqi pilots, said a French source close to the deal.
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