Iraq eyes Lockheed F-16 fighter aircraft purchase

Iraq is looking at buying F-16 for its airforce. Details about if the purchase would be new aircraft of refurbished spares as well as block number was not released.

It seems resonable that it would be at least block 50+ as the article mentions. Not really sure if they would sell htem the Block 60 but you never know.

They also are looking at buying APC's, C-130's and armed chopters like the AH-6. Not to mention tanks etc.

news.yahoo.com...;_ylt=Audl326Ji.Gc2dzbJ09x1K6s0NUE

Since whatever we sell to Iraq is going to Iran's soon-to-be closest ally, might we not be shooing ourselves in the foot a bit here?

So far I've heard M-1 tanks, late model F-16's... at the very least it means the Iranians (who are very cozy with the current Iraqi .gov, and will get a lot closer as soon as we pull out) are going to get a chance to take them apart and figure out what makes them tick...

My views on this haven't changed since it was last discussed (I think that was on here, maybe not).


Iraq does not need fast jets.

Iraq needs helicopters.


(Well, actually of all the things Iraq does need, fast jets would pretty much be bottom of the list)

I would be extremely wary of giving any useful technology to Iraq,as stated there is a good chance that it will find its way to a less popular destination (Iran/China) for one.
We would have been better off giving them money to buy soviet bloc equipment they could run into the ground rather than hi-tech US equipment requiring a large logistical chain.Then again that was probably the idea from the outset..get rid of unwanted US equipment plus the requirement for US assistance in keeping them running = $$$$

If Iraq decides they must have F-16's, let them buy the A models that Belgium and Israel are trying to sell. Or do what we are doing with the M-1's and sell them old airframes out of our stock and we can replace them with new block 50's or another run of the F-15, etc.

reply to post by bmdefiant


China has Israel already so you can rule them out

this would be intresting
kind of Like the US and Iran and f-14s

Iraq probably would not be getting new aircraft, giving them new or block 50 aircraft would be rather pointless, since they are not even operating any combat aircraft like that right now.

They need baby steps, so finding them some mothballs A models or even some about to retired block 30 C models is a better idea.

ultimately, Iraq will be approved for some sort of a combat capable air defense system....

the real aim is to keep a robust military presence in that region, and support, maintenance and protection of a dozen strategic aircraft squadrons would do the USA quite well.

.......