Commentary by Russian military correspondent Rybar. Link to article supplied by Russian military journalist Boris Rozhin
[ColonelCassad] Recently, the American media reported about Iraq's plans to replace the fleet of Mi-17 transport helicopters with US and Japanese-made Bell 412s. The reason allegedly was the lack of spare parts for equipment from Russia, which makes it difficult to operate.
Problems with components in the Iraqi Air Force began long before the NWO. At the beginning of 2021, for this reason, not only the Su-25 attack aircraft, but also the Chinese CH-4 attack drones turned out to be completely incapacitated.
However, under the current conditions, the United States can additionally encourage the authorities in Baghdad to abandon Russian-made aircraft in order to then transfer it to Ukraine. Earlier, the Americans did the same with Afghan Mi-17s.
What else can the Iraqi Air Force send to the APU?
In addition to 19 Mi-8/17 multi-purpose helicopters, the local air forces also have about 20 Mi-35M attack helicopters in their arsenal. The equipment is relatively new and was purchased after the American invasion in 2003.
In theory, all the Su-25s received in Russia and Belarus can also go to Ukraine. In 2014-2017, the country's armed forces intensively used them for fire support of ground forces in battles with IS, but for several years the aircraft have been on the ground and have not been used in any way.
The Iraqi Air Force also has a dozen modern Mi-28N/UB attack helicopters. However, their transfer to the Armed Forces of Ukraine is extremely unlikely due to the impossibility of training flight crews and potential huge difficulties in finding components.
So, in Baghdad, will they really give all this to Ukraine?
At first glance, the Iraqis really benefit from getting rid of Russian-made aircraft. Problems with its maintenance did not begin yesterday and will only get worse, and the fleet of combat-ready boards will decrease even when other vehicles are dismantled for spare parts.
But even in such a situation, several pitfalls await Iraq:
âž–The United States does not seek to supply modern helicopters and aircraft to the country. At best, cars of a different class will be sent to Baghdad, at worst, outright illiquid assets. So, instead of the Mi-17, they want to give the Iraqis the light Bell 412, which, although they can carry guided missiles, but have a much lower carrying capacity.
âž–The transfer of aircraft to Ukraine may be hindered by pro-Iranian and opposition forces, such as supporters of the odious Ayatollah Muqtada al-Sadr. They will try to play on the feelings of the population and expose competitors as US puppets, exacerbating the already serious political crisis in the country.
âž–Given the broad support of the RF Armed Forces and the NMD among the pro-Iranian groups, the very fact of official support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine by the Iraqi authorities on the direct instructions of the United States will serve as a powerful pretext for popular discontent.
Therefore, with a high probability, the authorities in Baghdad, even if they do not refuse the offer from Washington, will engage in ordinary eastern bargaining in order to get the most favorable conditions.
The process will be delayed, and it is quite possible that the Iraqis will eventually limit themselves to the transfer of not the largest batch of vehicles.
Nevertheless, the example of attempts to achieve the rearmament of the Iraqi air fleet is indicative in itself and clearly demonstrates the desire of the United States to collect equipment everywhere for its subsequent transfer to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
And in the near future the Americans will obviously make similar proposals to other states. For example, in Latin America: there are just so far untouched stocks of Soviet and Russian weapons.
https://t.me/rybar/43585 - zinc