News> F-16s to strengthen Iraqi air defense, partnership with U.S.
Photos
Staff Lt. Gen. Anwer Amin, the commander of the Iraqi air force, hosts a press conference in Western Iraq Nov. 8, 2011. He told the Iraqi and Pan-Arab media 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. Amin conducted the press conference in front of an F-16 static display provided by the 125th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, an Oklahoma Air National Guard unit providing top cover in Iraq for U.S. service members. When the Iraqi F-16s are delivered, most likely sometime in late 2014 or 2015, Iraq will have the most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo)
Maj. Gen. Tony Rock, 321st Air Expeditionary Wing commander and Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission-Air director (left), and Maj. Gen. Russ Handy, 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq commander and Air Component Coordination Element-Iraq director, listen as staff Lt. Gen. Anwer Amin, the commander of the Iraqi air force, conducts a press conference Nov. 8, 2011, in Western Iraq. Amin told the Iraqi and Pan-Arab media 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. He conducted the press conference in front of an F-16 static display
provided by the 125th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, an Oklahoma Air National Guard unit providing top cover in Iraq for U.S. service members. When the Iraqi F-16s are delivered, most likely sometime in late 2014 or 2015, Iraq will have the most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo)
Lt. Col. Rick Poplin (left) 125th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, and Maj. Blake Cook, 125th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, interview with media Nov. 8, 2011, in Western Iraq. The Iraqi and Pan-Arab media attended a press conference hosted by staff Lt. Gen. Anwer Amin, the commander of the Iraqi air force. The general conducted the press conference in front of an F-16 static display provided by the 125th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, an Oklahoma Air National Guard unit providing top cover in Iraq for U.S. service members. General Amin told the Iraqi and Pan-Arab media 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. Major Cook is an F-16 instructor pilot deployed from the 162nd Fighter Wing in Tucson, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Stacie N. Shafran)
Members of the Iraqi Air Force, Ministry of Defense, U.S. military, Iraqi and Pan-Arab media depart an Iraqi air force C-130E in Western Iraq on Nov. 8, 2011. The group attended a press conference hosted by staff Lt. Gen. Anwer Amin, the commander of the Iraqi air force. Amin told the Iraqi and Pan-Arab media 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. He conducted the press conference in front of an F-16 static display provided by the 125th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, an Oklahoma Air National Guard unit providing top cover in Iraq for U.S. service members. When the Iraqi F-16s are delivered, most likely sometime in late 2014 or 2015, Iraq will have the most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo)
by Maj. Stacie N. Shafran
9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq Public Affairs
11/18/2011 - BAGHDAD (AFNS) -- 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.
In September, through the Foreign Military Sales program, the government of Iraq made its first payment for 18 F-16C Block 52 fighter aircraft. With this F-16 package, Iraq purchased logistical support as well as pilot and maintenance training. When the aircraft are delivered, most likely sometime in late 2014 or 2015, Iraq will have the most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft in the world.
Iraqi air force staff Lt. Gen. Anwer Amin addressed members of the Iraqi air force, Ministry of Defense and U.S. military during the press conference. He stood before an F-16 static display provided by the 125th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, an Oklahoma Air National Guard unit providing top cover in Iraq for U.S. service members. The static display was configured like the F-16s purchased by Iraq and included AIM-9 air-to-air missiles, GBU-12 laser-guided bombs and external fuel tanks.
Amin answered several questions from Iraqi and Pan-Arab media about the aircraft's capabilities and the role it will serve in the country's future defense.
"Our ability here is strong," Amin said. "I'm very happy because I see that our future is very good."
The F-16s, he said, will help provide air sovereignty for Iraq to protect its own territory and deter or counter regional threats.
During the past few years, the Iraqi air force, which celebrated its 80th anniversary this year, has steadily modernized its infrastructure and increased its number of personnel. At the end of 2006, the Iraqi air force had 748 airmen and 28 aircraft. Now, there are more than 6,000 airmen and 72 aircraft, including the T-6 Texan and C-130E Hercules.
During Operation New Dawn, the U.S. Air Force helped advance the Iraqi air force through mentorship, training and advising on everything from support functions to operations.
"Over the past 15 months, I've traveled Iraq visiting our Airmen and witnessed a part of this country's transformation," said Maj. Gen. Russ Handy, who is the most senior Airman on the U.S. Forces-Iraq staff as well the commander of the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq and director of the Air Component Coordination Element-Iraq. "I can tell you the Iraqi air force has a bright future. The young Iraqi airmen I've met, talked to and flown with are incredibly motivated. Not only are they talented, but they are fired up about their country in the future."
There are currently six Iraqi F-16 candidates in the U.S. for different phases of pilot training. These students will form the core of Iraq's future F-16 force.
The training is all inclusive and typically starts with English language training, which is the international language of aviation. At present, some are finishing an English language course while others are finishing their initial training in the T-6, a trainer aircraft. One of the pilots is scheduled to begin Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, a preliminary course to the actual F-16 training program, as early as January.
Comments
11/28/2011 9:24:56 AM ET In the photo caption they say that the Iraqi air force will have the most advanced multi-role fighter in the world when these F-16s are delivered. What about the F-35, or are they trying to say something?
Cole, ZI
11/20/2011 2:48:49 PM ET That's brilliant...get a quote from the 9th AETFI and ACCE-I commander...the Air Force General that's in charge of all USAF forces in Iraq EXCEPT for those that train and advise the Iraqi Air Force.
