the Armed Forces Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has ordered the removal of intermediary companies from military industry contracts, directing that agreements be concluded directly with original manufacturers and handled through the Military Industrialization Authority.
The directive came during al-Zaidi's visit to the Authority on Thursday, where he reviewed its manufacturing and technical capabilities and examined progress in the production and development of military weapons and equipment, according to a statement from his media office.
At a meeting with the Authority's chairman and officials, al-Zaidi stressed that strengthening domestic military manufacturing is a national priority. He said Iraq has the expertise and skilled personnel needed to produce a substantial portion of its military requirements, while calling for broader private-sector involvement and stronger partnerships with specialized manufacturers.
He stressed that dealing directly with original manufacturers and eliminating intermediary channels would improve contractual transparency, safeguard the integrity of procurement procedures and reduce opportunities for corruption and unlawful practices.
Al-Zaidi described the establishment of an advanced defense industry as a key component of national sovereignty and a means of strengthening Iraq's defense capabilities. He also called for greater attention to research and innovation to keep pace with technological developments in the military sector.
He further instructed the Authority to enhance coordination with the Ministries of Defense and Interior, the Popular Mobilization Forces Commission and other security agencies to identify actual military requirements, establish technical specifications and ensure that production reflects national priorities.
The prime minister also called for providing the Authority with the necessary resources and support to expand its manufacturing and technological capabilities, praising its achievements and the expertise it has developed to meet the armed forces' needs through domestic production.
During the visit, al-Zaidi toured the Authority's facilities and specialized exhibition, reviewing a range of products, including light, medium and heavy weapons and ammunition, unmanned aerial systems, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, radio reconnaissance systems, armored vehicles and personnel carriers, as well as several civilian industrial products.
