Russia is competing with two regional powers in regards to closing massive arms deal with Iraq, who is requesting to improve its military capabilities to deal with security threats. 

A report by "Defense One", specializing in militaries, said that the cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the UAE is making it difficult for Moscow to sell weapons to Baghdad for billions of dollars.

According to the site, Russian media claims that Iraq is planning to purchase S-300, S-400 and fighter jets. Experts say it would challenge Iraq in the process of arms deals with Russia for financial and political reasons.

The site confirms Iraq attempts to find new weapon sources, since Russian systems have been dealt with since Hussain's era. 

After 2003, Iraq was almost exclusively reliant on the US for weapons, after it's invasion, which exposed them to advanced Russian systems such as S-400.

UAE's improving relationship with Iraq is also coming between them and Russia. Last January, Iraqi Defense Minister visited UAE to improve its military cooperation. In March 31st, Saudi Arabia and Iraq agreed to upgrade its cooperation when the Saudi Prince, Salman met with Iraqi PM Mustafa Al Qadmimi and approved their efforts in the fight against terror. 

Iraqi military expert Al Sharifi said "Iraq could improve its military capabilities by making international and regional alliances when it needs to." Al Sharifi added that "Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and other countries in the regional can fulfill a role in Iraq since we don't have the funds to acquire this much weapons." Al Sharifi claimed that their neighbors would allow such support since they are part of the region, so it's for their safety too."

Iraq is going through economic turnmoil as a result of lower gas prices, caused by the pandemic. "Iraq does not have enough money to purchase weapons at this point, maybe if the gas prices go up, Baghdad could consider modernization of the armed navy and artillery, that is currently out of date."

Al Sharifi agreed and added that they should purchase planes and helicopters. He continued "The challenge in Iraq is unusual, and respresented by Guerilla warfare which does not require specific actions by fighter jets. If we needed those operations, the US army could do it."

Iraq is handling pressures from both Russia and the US. Sharifi believes that the US would not oppose any arms deal with other countries, for political balance. It would reduce reliance on US weapons, and would have Chinese and Russian influence instead. This is where Iraq is getting in trourble. 

The Iraqi military expert believes that Baghdad can diversity their sources as they maintain their strategic alliance with the US.