'Ensuring sovereignty'
PM Al-Sudani inaugurates several military production factories in Baghdad
BAGHDAD– Iraq inaugurated several new military production factories and rehabilitation facilities on Saturday at the Industrial Complex of the defense Industries Commission in Baghdad. These facilities, capable of producing a range of military equipment from light ammunition to mortars and gunboats, are managed by government-owned the State Company for Military Industries.
“We are witnessing products that meet standards and reliability, produced using the latest production lines,” Iraqi PM Mohammed Shia Al- Sudani said in his talk at the event. The inaugurated factories include the Light Ammunition Production Plant, the Quality Testing Laboratories and Shooting Ranges for Light Ammunition, a mortar shell factory, and hot forging and Aluminum Injection Workshops.
The Iraqi armed forces’ materiel primarily originates from various international manufacturers, including the United States and Russia, as well as vehicles and weaponry from the Soviet era.
In his address, Al-Sudani praised the Defense Industries Commission and its staff for their expertise and contributions to the Iraqi military industry. He highlighted that since the enactment of the Defense Industries Commission Law in 2019, numerous factories have been established, with nearly 12 more expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Since 2007, Iraq’s military spending has seen a gradual increase, peaking around 2015 during the major offensive against Islamic State terror group. Post-2020, military spending has decreased, partly due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and volatile oil prices.
Al-Sudani considered laying the foundation for these military factories as “ensuring sovereignty” of the country, “While terrorist groups have been eliminated, challenges remain, including The threat of sleeper cells with extremist ideologies and security challenges at Iraq’s borders,” he said.
Iraq has received substantial military aid, particularly from the U.S., including light armored vehicles, transport helicopters, and various small arms. This aid has been crucial in equipping the Iraqi military to handle internal security challenges and territorial defense. The presence of U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq has transitioned from combat operations to advisory and training roles. As of late 2023, approximately 2,400 U.S. military personnel remain in Iraq, primarily focused on counter-ISIS activities and supporting Iraqi security forces.