Iraqi lawmaker Abbas al-Bayati, a close associate of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, confirmed that Iraq is expected to get a batch of 40 MI-35 helicopters in near future within framework of arms deal concluded with the Russian side earlier.

Al-Bayati, who is also a member of Parliamentary Commission on Security and Defense, said all aspects of the existed arms deal with Russia have been covered and all required trainings were received by Iraqi pilot for “Night Hunter” helicopters which are similar to “Apache” in terms of capacity and efficiency.

Russia has started implementation of a multibillion dollar arms deal with Iraq.

It is also supposed to supply over 10 fully armed and equipped Mi-28NE Night Hunter attack helicopters to Iraq under a $4.3 billion agreement on cooperation in the defense and technology sector signed in 2012.

The contract provides for the delivery of weaponry mainly for anti-terrorist operations.

Alexander Mikheyev, deputy general director at Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, said in late June that the helicopter contract also covers pilot and technical personnel training and the delivery of essential weapons systems.

NJF/NJF