Iraq Opens Four Military Manufacturing Factories

By John Lee.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani inaugurated four new military manufacturing factories of the Military Industrialization Authority.

The inauguration took place at the General Company for Military Industries complex in southern Baghdad and included a virtual participation. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Electricity and other officials.

Newly Inaugurated Facilities:

1. Light Ammunition Production Factory: Featuring testing laboratories and shooting ranges.
2. Mortar Shell Factory: Includes hot forging and aluminum injection workshops.
3. Iron and Non-Ferrous Metal Alloy Factory: Part of the General Company for Military Industries.
4. Transformer Rehabilitation and Maintenance Plant: The first phase of this plant was also inaugurated, with plans to contract with the Ministry of Electricity based on its annual production capacity.

Additional Projects Launched:

• Light Ammunition Capsule Manufacturing Plant: Initiated the execution phase.
• Military and Civilian Boat Manufacturing Plant: Commenced operations.
• Medium Ammunition Production and Oil Production Projects: Reviewed progress.
• Electric Car Manufacturing Plant: Inspected ongoing construction with plans to open by the end of the year.
• NATO Standard Light Ammunition Plant: Assessed current work.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani praised the efforts of the Military Industrialization Authority and its experienced workforce, noting the significant advancements since the approval of Law No. 25 of 2019. He emphasized that nearly 12 factories are either completed or in progress, aiming for completion by year-end, aligning with the government's developmental program.

Strategic Significance:

Al-Sudani highlighted the dual benefits of domestic military production: reducing foreign currency outflow and enhancing Iraq's sovereignty. He directed security ministries to prioritize the Authority's products and instructed the Ministry of Defense to reassess all defense procurement committees and the handling of scrap materials, with a report due within a week.

Key Points from Al-Sudani's Address:

• Acknowledged significant strides in establishing a defense manufacturing sector with high-quality, standardized products.
• Emphasized the importance of a self-sufficient military industry for national security.
• Pointed out ongoing regional and international military developments, underscoring the need for Iraq to maintain a robust defense manufacturing capability.
• Urged strict adherence to Cabinet decisions ensuring the provision of raw materials for military manufacturing.
• Highlighted that military products should be supplied to security ministries as per existing laws, stressing accountability and oversight in procurement processes.
• Confirmed ongoing support from the Cabinet for the Military Industrialization Authority, expressing optimism for future achievements.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani reiterated the necessity of compliance from all security bodies with Cabinet decisions and called for continued legislative and executive scrutiny to ensure transparency and efficacy in military procurement.

Ministries' Commitments:

The Ministry of Interior has already made significant contracts with the Military Industrialization Authority. Other security agencies have been directed to comply with Cabinet resolutions, affirming the essential role of state institutions in supporting domestic military manufacturing.

(Source: PMO)