Iraq to buy 140 tanks from US

19 March 2009
Iraq is purchasing 140 upgraded Abrams battle tanks from the US.

The US-led coalition force in Iraq has revealed that the Iraqi army will begin full training on the tanks in December 2010.

The US will deliver the tanks in four groups of 35 over an 18-month period. Neither country has placed a value on the deal.

The tanks have been upgraded to perform better in desert conditions, with improved guns and air filtration systems.

The announcement follows the arrival in Iraq, of the first shipment of armoured vehicles from the US.

Washington has delivered the first consignment of armoured Humvees to Iraq, which will be refurbished before being handed over to Iraqi forces.

The US will deliver 8,500 vehicles by July (MEED 29:1:09).

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