US to invest millions for major overhaul of Iraq’s military satellite networks

The United States has approved a $110 million deal to expand Iraq’s military satellite communications network, reinforcing Baghdad’s secure command-and-control capabilities.

The new package builds on a previous foreign military sale worth $46 million that was implemented below the congressional notification threshold, according to a report by The Defense Post.

Rather than supplying new weapon systems, the agreement focuses on improving Iraq’s ability to securely transmit information within the Ministry of Defence.

Under the approval, Iraq will receive additional Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs), along with modems, hubs, L-band tactical satellite manpacks, spare parts, and long-term technical assistance. The expanded suite of equipment and services is intended to strengthen satellite connectivity for command and control, a function closely linked to border security, the protection of energy infrastructure, and coordination among widely dispersed forces.

The package also includes training and engineering support, as well as the deployment of US government and contractor personnel to Iraq for a period of up to five years.

The VSAT sale reflects a broader pattern of US-Iraq defence cooperation over the past two years, with recent agreements largely focused on sustainment, training, and modernization rather than the acquisition of new platforms.

Washington has approved several packages aimed at supporting Iraq’s fleet of US-made F-16 fighter jets, covering maintenance, spare parts, and contractor logistics support to ensure continued operational readiness.

Sales related to missiles and munitions have also proceeded at a controlled pace. In recent years, the United States has authorized follow-on support for precision-guided munitions, including Hellfire missiles used by Iraqi aircraft and helicopters, with the emphasis placed on replenishment and lifecycle support rather than major new purchases.

Within the broader geopolitical competition between the United States and China, Iraq has re-emerged as a key arena. Its strategic position at the intersection of Iranian, Turkish, and Gulf states’ spheres of influence gives it outsized regional importance, while its vast oil reserves further elevate its global significance. Iraq is a major player within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), whose members together control nearly 80% of the world’s oil reserves, making the country an economic prize in an increasingly multipolar landscape. In recent years, Washington has also markedly increased its investments in Iraq’s energy sector, underlining the country’s growing relevance in great-power competition.

By Nazrin Sadigova