- Deal Approval: US approved $90m Foreign Military Sales agreement with Iraq on February 5, 2026, funding equipment, training, and maintenance for Iraqi forces.
- Key Items: Includes AN/PRC-163 radios ($25m), M1A1 Abrams tank spares ($30m), training for 2,000 personnel, drones, and counter-IED systems.
- Purpose: Enhances counter-ISIS operations, border security, and interoperability; 15th major FMS case since 2015 totalling $3.5bn.
- Implementation: Managed by Defense Security Cooperation Agency; deliveries through 2027 from US stocks in Kuwait; congressional notification completed.
- Context: Responds to 75 Iran-backed militia attacks in 2025 and ISIS bombings; supports 2,500 US advisors amid Iraq's troop withdrawal request by 2026.
Washington (Washington Insider Magazine) February 7, 2026 – The United States has approved a $90 million security cooperation agreement with Iraq to enhance the Iraqi military's capabilities. The deal, signed on February 5, 2026, provides funding for equipment, training, and maintenance under the Foreign Military Sales programme. It strengthens bilateral defence ties amid regional security challenges.
The agreement falls under the US Department of State's Foreign Military Financing initiative. It allocates funds for advanced communication systems, vehicle maintenance, and counter-terrorism training for Iraqi security forces. Implementation begins immediately, with deliveries scheduled through 2027.
What Does the $90 Million Security Deal Cover?
The US State Department announced the approval of a $90 million Foreign Military Sales case with Iraq on February 5, 2026. The agreement supports the Iraqi Ministry of Defence in acquiring US-origin equipment and services. Specific items include secure radio systems, spare parts for M1A1 Abrams tanks, and technical training.
A Defense Security Cooperation Agency statement detailed that the deal enhances Iraq's ability to conduct counter-ISIS operations and border security. No new major weapons systems are included; funds focus on sustainment and interoperability with US forces. The package received congressional notification as required under the Arms Export Control Act.
Which US Agencies Facilitated the Agreement?
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency administered the case, with implementation by the US Army Security Assistance Command. The State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs provided policy oversight. US Central Command coordinated with Iraqi counterparts during negotiations.
Iraq requested the package in December 2025, following joint military consultations in Baghdad. The US embassy in Baghdad confirmed the signing ceremony attended by Iraqi Defence Minister Thabit Al-Abbasi and US Ambassador Elizabeth Richard.
What Equipment and Training Are Included?
The deal funds procurement of AN/PRC-163 radios for secure communications, estimated at $25 million. Another $30 million covers Abrams tank maintenance kits and logistics support. $20 million allocates to training 2,000 Iraqi personnel at US facilities in Jordan and Kuwait.
Additional funds support border surveillance drones and counter-IED jammers. All equipment meets US standards for human rights compliance and end-use monitoring. Delivery timelines project full operational capability by mid-2027.
How Does This Fit US-Iraq Defence Cooperation History?
The agreement marks the 15th major FMS case with Iraq since 2015, totalling over $3.5 billion. Previous deals provided 300 M1A1 tanks, 24 AH-64E Apache helicopters, and 36 T-6 trainer aircraft. US training has prepared 150,000 Iraqi troops since ISIS defeats in 2017.
Bilateral defence pacts renewed in 2024 extend US advisory presence until 2028. Joint operations against ISIS remnants continue under Operation Inherent Resolve.
What Statements Did US Officials Issue?
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said:
"This support bolsters Iraq's sovereignty and ability to secure its borders against terrorism."
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin noted in a statement:
"Iraq remains a vital partner in defeating ISIS and stabilising the region."
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani welcomed the deal, stating:
"Strengthened capabilities protect our people and contribute to regional peace."
Which Iraqi Forces Benefit from the Deal?
Primary recipients are the Iraqi Army's 1st and 9th Divisions operating in Anbar and Nineveh provinces. Counter-Terrorism Service brigades receive priority training. Peshmerga forces in Kurdistan qualify for 20 per cent of equipment allocations per 2023 power-sharing agreement.
Border Guard units along Syria and Iran frontiers gain surveillance enhancements. All units undergo US-vetted human rights instruction.
What Regional Context Surrounds the Approval?
Iran-backed militias conducted 75 attacks on US positions in Iraq during 2025, per US Central Command reports. ISIS claimed responsibility for 12 bombings killing 45 Iraqis in January 2026. Turkish operations against PKK in northern Iraq displaced 5,000 civilians.
The deal coincides with Iraq's request for full US troop withdrawal by 2026, offset by continued arms sales. Syria's civil war instability drives cross-border threats.
How Is Congressional Oversight Ensured?
The $90 million case fell below the $100 million threshold requiring formal notification but received informal briefings. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Ben Cardin received details on February 4. House Armed Services Committee ranking member Adam Smith confirmed support.
No objections raised during 30-day review period. End-use monitoring follows Leahy vetting processes.
What Economic Impact Does the Deal Have?
US firms Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Raytheon secure contracts totalling $65 million. Iraqi defence budget allocation of $2.5 billion in 2026 covers counterpart funding. Deal creates 450 temporary jobs at US maintenance depots.
Iraq's oil revenues reached $110 billion in 2025, enabling sustained purchases despite OPEC cuts.
Which Previous Deals Preceded This Agreement?
September 2025: $450 million for 12 ScanEagle drones. June 2025: $200 million Apache sustainment. March 2025: $85 million for 4,000 advanced helmets and body armour.
Cumulative US aid since 2014 totals $2.8 billion in grants, $1.7 billion loans.
What Training Programmes Are Expanded?
US advisors at Taji and Al-Asad bases expand counter-drone instruction. 500 Iraqi officers attend US Army courses at Fort Bliss. Joint exercises planned for April 2026 test new equipment.
Iraqi Staff College incorporates US doctrine in curricula.
How Do Allies View the Security Cooperation?
UK Defence Secretary John Healey welcomed the deal during London talks on February 6. NATO mission in Iraq endorsed continued US leadership. Jordan and UAE confirmed interoperability benefits.
Russia's Foreign Ministry criticised arms flows, claiming destabilisation.
What Monitoring Mechanisms Apply?
US personnel conduct quarterly inspections of equipment sites. Geospatial tracking monitors Abrams tank movements. Annual compliance reports submitted to Congress.
Iraq agrees to no-sale clauses for 10 years.
Which Militia Threats Prompted the Deal?
Kata'ib Hezbollah launched five drone strikes on Baghdad embassy January 2026. Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba fired 20 rockets at Ain al-Asad airbase. US responded with precision strikes killing 12 militants.
ISIS sleeper cells conducted suicide bombings in Mosul markets.
What Is Iraq's Troop Strength Post-Deal?
Iraqi Security Forces total 320,000 personnel, including 200,000 army. US-trained units number 120,000. Readiness rated 75 per cent by Pentagon assessments.
Reserve forces mobilised 25,000 for Nineveh operations.
How Does This Affect US Troop Levels?
2,500 US troops remain in advisory roles across five bases. No changes announced post-deal. Transition to bilateral partnership advances per 2024 roadmap.
The security deal reinforces US commitment to Iraqi stability. Deliveries commence next month from US warehouses in Kuwait. Iraqi forces prepare integration training in March.