No figure was given on the received helicopters.
On 30 August, 2014, it was announced the arrival of the second batch and entered into actual operation.
In October 2012, Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki signed a deal with Russia’s Rosoboronexport, variously estimated at $4.2-$5.0 billion. The deal is characteristically murky, but it includes a combination of 43 Mi-35 (28) and Mi-28NE (15) attack helicopters, plus 42-50 mobile SA-22 Pantsir low-level air defense systems. Their combined cost is unlikely to approach $4 billion unless very extensive long-term support arrangements are included, but Iraq’s maintenance record suggests that this would be a very good idea.
There has also been discussion in the press concerning MiG-29M2 fighters or armored vehicles as follow-on options, and the recent crisis in Iraq has led to a limited sale of refurbished SU-25 close air support aircraft.
The deals fill some important military and political holes for Iraq which is suffering an extraordinary security situation since 10 June, 2014, where military operations are conducted to eliminate Da'esh gunmen from Nineveh and Salahal-din province, in addition to other military operations in the West part of the country.
Source: Iraq TradeLink; Defense Industry Daily
