WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US Department of State has approved a potential $1.95 billion sale of additional weapons, munitions and equipment for Iraq’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a press release.
"Iraq requires these additional weapons, munitions, and technical services to maintain the operational capabilities of its aircraft," the press release stated on Wednesday.
The requested order includes 24 air-to-air AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles, 150 air-to-ground tactical Maverick missiles and more than 16,000 warheads, among other equipment, according to the release.
"This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner."
Iraq purchased earlier 36 F-16 fighter jets from the United States.
