The Iraqi Ministry of Defense is considering terminating the contract with
Ukraine on the supply of BTR-4s. According to sources close to the
Ministry of Defence, the Iraqis were not satisfied with the technical
and operational characteristics, and the construction quality of the Ukrainian
armoured vehicles. In addition, Ukraine has repeatedly delayed the
delivery of equipment. On the other hand, Iraq may refuse the BTR-4s for
political reasons.
Contracts for the supply of Ukrainian APCs to Iraq were signed in
September 2009. For $ 457.5 million, Iraq agreed to buy 420 armoured
personnel carriers. Another $95 million was paid for 7 An-32B military
aircraft.
Under the agreement, all 420 BTR-4 were supposed to get to Iraq by
March 2012. However, due to difficulties in the Malyshev Plant, where
makes the cars, the customer has received only 88 APCs.
