Remnants of Iraq Air Force Are Found

[Rando]

By ROD NORDLAND
Published: August 30, 2009
BAGHDAD — Iraqi officials have discovered that they may have an air force, after all. The Defense Ministry revealed Sunday that it recently learned that Iraq owns 19 Russian-designed MIG-21 and MIG-23 jet fighters, which are in storage in Serbia. The ministry said Iraqi officials are negotiating with the Serbs to restore the aircraft.

The Serbian government has tentatively promised to make two of the aircraft available “for immediate use,” according to a press release from the ministry. The rest would be restored on a rush basis, the ministry said. An Iraqi delegation went to Serbia as part of aneffort by the government to locate funds stashed abroad by Saddam Hussein to evade sanctions first imposed during the 1990’s. Serbia had had friendly relations with Mr. Hussein.

During that visit, the Iraqi officials discovered that Mr. Hussein had sent the 19 jet fighters to Serbia for repairs in the 1980’s, during the Iran-Iraq war, but was unable to bring them back after sanctions had been imposed on his country.

Iraq immediately sent a technical delegation, including air force chief Gen. Anwar Mohammed Amin. The web site of the Iraqi Supreme Islamic Council, the leading Shia political party, quoted Defense Ministry spokesman Mohammed al-Askari as saying that the aircraft had been sent in 1989 “for maintenance and everything was paid for by Iraq’s money.”

[jjmuneer]

Iwouldn't worry too much about their small airforce

[Kurdistano]

Iraq immediately sent a technical delegation, including air force chief Gen. Anwar Mohammed Amin. The web site of the Iraqi Supreme Islamic Council, the leading Shia political party, quoted Defense Ministry spokesman Mohammed al-Askari as saying that the aircraft had been sent in 1989 “for maintenance and everything was paid for by Iraq’s money.”

Of course these war loving bastards did that. Its time to get our own air force. LIke Qubad Talabani already asked. For what or against whom are they buying new Tanks and Jets?

[jjmuneer]

The bastards want to do another genocide.

[Rando]

Iraq is negotiating a deal to acquire 24 redundant L-159 Advanced Light Combat Aircraft (ALCA) from the Czech Republic, which has also offered to provide assistance in upgrading Iraq’s helicopter fleet.

Czech Defence Minister Alexandr Vondra told reporters: "Iraq is interested in new planes ... but it also wants fighters as fast as possible, so we can use at least part of the unused planes owned by the defence ministry."

In addition to the new fighter jets manufactured by Aero Vodochody, the Czech Republic is offering 36 unused L-159s that were declared excess by the defence ministry in 2011.

The L-159 ALCA is a single-seat light multi-role combat aircraft designed for a variety of air-to-air, air-to-ground and reconnaissance missions. It features a multi-mode Doppler Grifo-L radar for all-weather, day and night operations and can also carry a large range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles as well as laser guided bombs.

The value of the potential deal has not been released, but it is estimated that CZK30 million will be paid for each plane, though a barter deal for Iraqi oil is also an option under consideration. The nation has also shown interest in the upgrade of Iraqi T-72 tanks and Mi-17 helicopters.

The L-159's rivals include BAE Systems’ Hawk and TA-50 Golden Eagle offered by Korea in cooperation with Lockheed Martin.

http://www.strategicdefenceintelligence ... _republic/


no wonder arabs live in so poor conditions. those dickheads use all their money on their military.

[Kurdistano]

but it also wants fighters as fast as possible

I am always telling you these Arab leaders are Power hungry and have no interest in developing. It might be preparation for a possible Turkish interference but they already wanted to buy some before Erdogans speaches. Its time for KRG to take some steps too.

[jjmuneer]

but it also wants fighters as fast as possible

I am always telling you these Arab leaders are Power hungry and have no interest in developing. It might be preparation for a possible Turkish interference but they already wanted to buy some before Erdogans speaches. Its time for KRG to take some steps too.

Do you think KRG should increase on military spending?

[Kurdistano]

but it also wants fighters as fast as possible

I am always telling you these Arab leaders are Power hungry and have no interest in developing. It might be preparation for a possible Turkish interference but they already wanted to buy some before Erdogans speaches. Its time for KRG to take some steps too.

Do you think KRG should increase on military spending?

sure

[jjmuneer]

Cool ,but I also do, but not at the expense of Agriculture and Health.

[Kurdistano]

Cool ,but I also do, but not at the expense of Agriculture and Health.

At the expense of the hundreds of thousand empty buildings.