Iraq War Winners: Weapons Dealers
Arms manufacturers are enjoying the state of post-war Iraq, where the government is spending billions to rebuild its military.
Ten years ago this month, the United States invaded Iraq and effectively destroyed Saddam Hussein’s military force. The longtime dictator is no longer around, and neither are U.S. combat troops, leaving Baghdad officials to spend heavily to restore the nation’s fighting force.
American defense contractors are the biggest suppliers to Iraq these days, with orders completed or in process for everything from fighter planes to tanks. Among the many contracts in the works are 36 Lockheed Martin F-16IQ Block 52 fighter jets, 25 Bell attack helicopters armed with Lockheed Martin laser-guided AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 140 upgraded Abrams main battle tanks built by General Dynamics Land Systems and 160 Guardian armored security vehicles manufactured by Textron Marine and Land Systems.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, in an attempt to lessen dependence on U.S. companies, has negotiated deals with Russian and Czech weapons makers.
http://www.allgov.com/news/us-and-the-world/iraq-war-winners-weapons-dealers-130319?news=849478