When selling its weapons to a Middle Eastern country like Iraq, Russia will have to face the interests of the United States' regional allies – the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, Defense News writes, citing experts on the Middle East.
The American publication claims that earlier Baghdad showed interest in the Russian S-300 Favorit anti-aircraft missile systems and Sukhoi fighters, but at the present time it is not negotiating with Moscow on their acquisition. It is noted that in Washington the hypothetical acquisition of the S-400 Triumph by the Iraqi side is viewed as a “red line”. On the other hand, Baghdad's possible purchase of other models of Russian weapons can be considered on an individual basis.
Defense News writes that Iraq is currently exploiting military equipment from various countries, including the United States and Russia, which creates difficulties in its maintenance. In particular, the experts interviewed by Defense News revealed the attitude towards Russian weapons in Iraq, where, in particular, they were satisfied with the work of the Russian Pantsir-C1 anti-aircraft missile and cannon system.
Nevertheless, the reduction in the presence of American companies in the country will create a vacuum, which, as the newspaper assures, is likely to be filled by Russia or China, as well as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The last two countries, in particular, can provide financial support to Baghdad. The publication writes that, among other things, Moscow can offer the Iraqi side beneficial services in servicing samples of Russian and Soviet technology.
In May 2020, the Ukrainian consulting agency Defense Express announced that the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 attack drones staged a “real genocide” against the “advertised” Russian-made “Pantsir-C1”.
At the same time, the Turkish agency Anadolu reported the destruction of nine of these Russian-made complexes in Libya in four days.
