Iraq Reportedly Signs Russian Arms Contracts Worth Over $4.2 billion

Iraq has recently signed contracts to buy weapons from Russia worth more than $4.2 billion, according to a Russian government document issued on October 9 at a meeting in Russia between Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

The document showed that the contracts were signed during visits to Russia by Iraq's acting defense chief in April, July, and August.

It gave no further details.

The Russian daily newspaper "Vedomosti" reported last month that contracts worth $4.3 million were being agreed ahead of Maliki's visit.

The deals reportedly included combat helicopters and mobile rocket launchers.


Based on reporting by Reuters and Interfax