Iraq Suspected of Forging Deal with Russia for Ballistic Missile Guidance Equipment

Iraq is allegedly planning to purchase crucial guidance equipment for its long-range ballistic missiles from a Russian company, in breach of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). The deal, reportedly worth $1.2 million, involves the sale of 120 accelerometers, which are the primary components of advanced guidance and control systems. The purchase is said to have been agreed upon in June, and the equipment is expected to be delivered to a new military industrial plant outside Baghdad in the middle of next year. This development raises concerns about Iraq's secret efforts to advance its ballistic missile program, despite the United Nations embargo and ongoing inspections by the UN Special Commission.

Key Takeaways:

• Iraq is suspected of forging a deal with a Russian company to buy 120 accelerometers, which are crucial components of advanced guidance and control systems for ballistic missiles.
• The sale of accelerometers is in breach of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), a multinational agreement that restricts the transfer of sensitive military technology.
• The contract for the purchase is believed to have been signed between the Iraqi and Russian companies in June, with a total value of $1.2 million (Pounds 800,000).
• The accelerometers are expected to be delivered to a new military industrial plant outside Baghdad in the middle of next year.
• Iraq is allowed to build missiles only with a range of up to 150 kilometres (about 94 miles) as self-defence weapons, but there are concerns that Baghdad plans to produce long-range missiles once the United Nations restrictions are lifted.
• The deal involves the use of a "front" company in Jordan, called al-Khayrat, to make the transaction appear legitimate.
• Iraq has set up a network of companies in Jordan to buy military technology in violation of the UN embargo.

Statistics:

• 120 units of accelerometers are involved in the deal.
• The purchase is reportedly worth $1.2 million (Pounds 800,000).
• The accelerometers are expected to be delivered to a new military industrial plant outside Baghdad in the middle of next year.
• Iraq is allowed to build missiles with a range of up to 150 kilometres (about 94 miles) as self-defence weapons.

Sources:

• The Times, 1998