Saturday, April 2, 2011

Fire-Detection Radar Sale to Iraq Proposed

The Pentagon has told Congress that it wants to sell up to $300 million worth of fire-detection radars to Iraq, according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notice.
If approved by lawmakers, the sale would include six AN/TPQ-36(V)10 Firefinder radars, 18 AN-TPQ-48 Lightweight Counter-Mortar radars, parts, training and logistical support, according to the DSCA notice. DSCA is the arm of the Pentagon that notifies lawmakers of proposed foreign military sales.
The Firefinder, built by Northrop Grumman and Thales Raytheon Systems, is a ground-based radar that detects medium-range mortars, artillery and rocket launchers, according to a Raytheon fact sheet. The U.S. Army and Marine Corps use the system.
The Lightweight Counter-Mortar radar, built by Syracuse, N.Y.-based SRCTec, detects and locates mortar firing positions by tracking the mortar shell to the weapon it was fired from, according to a company fact sheet.
"The proposed sale of the Firefinder radars will advance Iraq's efforts to develop an integrated ground defense capability and to develop a strong and dedicated military force," the DSCA notice states. "The Firefinder radars will enable Iraq to assume some of the missions currently accomplished by U.S. and coalition forces and to sustain itself in its efforts to establish stability to Iraq."
Smith-Detection Technologies in Edgewood, Md., ITT Corp. and L-3 Communications would also supply equipment should the contract be approved.

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