US Air Force - ACC F-16s

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that US officials are saying that the Iraqi government is seeking to buy 36 advanced F-16 fighters from the US.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress on September 13 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq of 18 F-16IQ Aircraft as well as associated equipment and services.

The Government of Iraq has postponed a purchase of 18 F-16IQ jets worth approximately $1 Billion from United States and diverted the needed funds to feeding the countries poor, according to officials.

Iraq's potential purchase of 18 U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons is an encouraging development that benefits both nations, the senior U.S. Air Force component commander in Iraq said September 14.

During a press conference Nov. 8 the commander of the Iraqi air force said Iraq's purchase of 18 F-16C Fighting Falcons, for their future air defense, will encourage and strengthen the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Iraq.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Iraq for a further batch of 18 F-16IQ aircraft and associated equipment, parts, weapons, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $2.3 billion.

On Tuesday it was announced that Lockheed Martin Aeronautics were awarded a $830 Million contract to supply Iraq with a further batch of 18 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The contract is expected to run through till April 30, 2014.