Iraq

Introduction

The Iraqi Air Force is the latest customer for the venerable viper. A total of 18 airframes was ordered in 2011, although that number could still rise in the coming years.

History

In September of 2008 the Iraqi government first expressed an interest in buying up to 36 advanced F-16s to reduce its reliance on US air power and potentially allow more American forces to withdraw from the country according the US military.

In the following months, this order was more then once written in some dedicated press, but since early 2009 everything went silent about this acquisition. Finally, in March of 2010 the Iraqi government formally requested 24 F-16C/D fighters from the US. Iraq made it clear that it want's up to 96 fighters in the end.

Inventory

Initial Order

In 2011 a final order for 18 airframes was announced. Up to now it isn't clear whether there will be any D-models in this order. This order should make it possible for the Iraqi Air Force to defend some of the country for themselves instead of relying on Coalition forces to act on that behalf. Althoug no-one is convinced that this small fighter force will be able to support this mission over the entire territory. Further orders in the future would seem relevant in order to strengthen the Iraqi fighter force.

Right after the closure of the first contract it was announced that iraq already made a request for another batch of 18 F-16s on December 12th, 2011. More info will be available shortly.

Operational Service