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Pentagon deal a boost to Rolls
Bill Condie29.07.08
Rolls-Royce is set to benefit from a Pentagon proposal to sell Iraq six Lockheed Martin C-130J cargo aircraft in a deal worth up to $1.5 billion (£755.4 million).
Along with the six Super Hercules aircraft, the Iraqi government has asked for 24 engines built by Britain's Rolls-Royce Group.
"Purchase of new transport aircraft will provide Iraq with the ability to operate seamlessly with US, Nato and coalition forces engaged in all types of operations and missions," the Pentagon's Defence Security Co-operation Agency said.
While the deal is not certain to go ahead, it is another boost for Rolls, which has largely shaken off the economic gloom through sales to the Middle East.
Sir John Rose, the group's chief executive, last week said the Middle East and Asia account for about 40% of orders. Pre-tax profits rose by 3% to £389 million in the first half, with sales up 13% to £4.05 billion.
