Al-Zaidi Backs Defense Production, Bans Military Contract Brokers
At a Glance
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi visited the Defense Industries Commission on Thursday.
He banned intermediate brokers to secure transparency and combat corruption.
Orders were issued to integrate the private sector and expand specialized partnerships.
Al-Zaidi pushed to transform the commission into an advanced industrial base.
He reviewed locally developed weapons, including drones and armored vehicles.
Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief Ali Faleh al-Zaidi visited the Defense Industries Commission on Thursday, affirming strong support for expanding national military production and banning intermediate brokers to secure Iraq's sovereign security needs.
Key Statements and Focus
The PM Media Office said that during the visit, al-Zaidi reviewed the Defense Industries Commission's production and technical capabilities, as well as the progress it has achieved in military industries.
He "stressed that Iraq has the capability to manufacture the weapons and equipment it needs with Iraqi hands and expertise."
Al-Zaidi also "affirmed that developing an advanced military industry represents a fundamental pillar of national sovereignty and strengthens Iraq’s ability to protect its security and interests."
During today's visit, the Prime Minister met with the Commission’s chairman and officials, affirming his strong support for national military industries.
He ordered private sector integration and expanded partnerships with specialized firms.
The Commander-in-Chief ordered a complete ban on brokers, stressing the need to deal "directly with original manufacturers" under any circumstances to combat corruption.
The Prime Minister emphasized prioritizing research and development to "keep pace with rapid technological advances" in the defense sector.
The Commander-in-Chief ordered tight coordination among defense, interior, and security agencies to align production with "national priorities and requirements."
Al-Zaidi praised the Commission's progress, ordering full support to transform it into an "advanced industrial base" that meets the armed forces' needs.
The Prime Minister toured the Commission's facilities and specialized exhibition to review locally developed military technologies and weaponry.
The exhibits featured domestic ammunition, drones, surveillance systems, armored vehicles, and light-to-heavy weaponry.
FYI
The Defense Industries Commission was established under Law No. 25 of 2019 to revitalize Iraq's domestic military manufacturing capabilities.
The commission is directly linked to the Commander-in-Chief to localize the production of weapons, vehicles, and ammunition for strategic autonomy.
This shift toward localized procurement saved the state treasury over $700 million between 2023 and 2024 by replacing foreign defense imports.
The commission has expanded its output to include advanced technologies, notably manufacturing locally produced reconnaissance drone systems utilized by the Ministry of Interior.
Al-Zaidi's ban on intermediate brokers targets defense procurement inflation by forcing transparent, direct contracting with original manufacturers.
These systemic reforms combine fiscal responsibility, anti-corruption enforcement, and technological modernization to ensure Iraq's independent defense capability.
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