By John Lee.
Iraq's Military Industries Commission (MIC) has been directed to deal exclusively with original manufacturers when procuring weapons and equipment, cutting out intermediary companies entirely.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi issued the directive during a visit to the Commission on Thursday, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.
Al-Zaidi met with the Commission's chairman and senior officials, stressing that contracts must be concluded directly with manufacturing companies to ensure transparency, eliminate bribery opportunities, and prevent unlawful practices. He said intermediary firms must not be engaged under any circumstances.
The Prime Minister also called for greater private-sector participation and expanded partnerships with specialist companies in the defence industry. He emphasised the importance of research and development and keeping pace with technological advances in military manufacturing.
Al-Zaidi directed the Commission to strengthen coordination with the Ministries of Defence and Interior, the Popular Mobilisation Forces, and other security bodies to align production with identified technical requirements and national priorities.
During a tour of the Commission's facilities and specialist exhibition, the Prime Minister viewed examples of equipment produced or developed domestically, including:
- Light, medium, and heavy weapons and ammunition
- Drone systems
- Surveillance and monitoring devices
- Wireless reconnaissance stations
- Armoured vehicles and personnel carriers
- A range of civilian industrial products
Al-Zaidi described the Commission as capable of serving as an advanced industrial base, and said all necessary resources would be provided to develop its production and technical capabilities.
(Source: Prime Minister's Office)
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