The Iraqi Government is in initial talks to buy BAE Hawk trainer jets from the UK under a deal worth approximately £1bn ($1.52bn).
The order, initially worth £500m ($762m), is expected to be for the purchase of 24 jets, and could rise up to £1bn including support and maintenance, according to the Financial Times.
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Officials from the Iraqi Air Force (IAF) will visit the UK in May 2010 to test the Hawk used to train Royal Air Force fast-jet pilots.
Korea’s T50 supersonic aircraft and Italy’s Maki 346 are also being considered by the IAF alongside the BAE Hawk for the proposed deal.
