Iraq orders F-16s, helicopters

Published: Nov. 6, 2008 at 6:05 PM

BAGHDAD, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- The Iraqi government announced plans to purchase more than 500 military aircraft from the United States and France, with first deliveries expected in 2011.

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Joint Forces Gen. Nasier Abadi issued initial orders Sunday to boost the fledgling Iraqi air force's training and infrastructure inventory, a report by The Long War Journal said Thursday.

The order of 36 F-16 Fighting Falcons, 24 AT-6B Light Attack Aircraft Trainers and a variety of attack and reconnaissance helicopters will go toward plans to develop 10 air force bases with 6,000 crewmen by 2011.

The Iraqi air force currently has seven squadrons, with at least two additional squadrons planned to coincide with 2011 deliveries.

The Iraqi Ministry of Defense says it hopes to have an independent air force by at least 2020 as most of the squadrons will lack sufficient training until 2015.

Meeting in Crystal City, Va., in October, Iraqi military officials spoke with their American counterparts on plans to model the Iraqi air force after the U.S. version.

Samer Abid al-Wahaab, a Defense Ministry spokesman, said at the time that air power was integral to Iraq's security objectives.

"Iraq faces multiple challenges: We need to control our open borders and defend against external aggression, while our counterparts must maintain internal security and overall law and order," he said.

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints


Additional News Stories
Real Alice's 'Looking Glass' to be sold (5 min)
Report: N.D. quarterback got in bar fight (19 min)
Deer stunned by Toronto police (25 min)
Grain futures mixed Tuesday (44 min)
Poll: Women ignoring new mammogram advice (49 min)
Toyota Tundra pickup trucks recalled (51 min)
Price of crude oil slides slightly
fark
Not news: Babysitter goes drunk driving. News: He had a seven year with him. FARK: The kid was on...
Celebrated trial lawyer died driving unsafe and uncrashworthy SUV on negligently designed and maintained...
Even the judge agrees there's nothing wrong with a little tongue
That Kentucky census worker undressed himself, wrote "fed" on his chest, bound himself in duct tape...
Drew Curtis on possible partnerships between Fark and other media outlets: "I can't go into any...
NYT, last year: "Check out these e-mails hacked from a Palin campaign staffer." Last week: "ClimateGate?...