Iraqi Military Buys Recon Aircraft

It seems a bit early to start spending money on aircraft when they have so many rebuilding expenses right now.

Defense Link:
The Iraqi military soon will be cleared for flight after the purchase this week of two aircraft in Jordan, coalition officials in Baghdad said today.

Army Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt, deputy operations director of Multinational Force Iraq, told reporters today the aircraft are part of a plan to provide surveillance capability to the growing Iraqi security forces.

He said the two reconnaissance aircraft represent the first acquisitions in a planned purchase of 16 aerial observation and surveillance aircraft intended to assist in the protection of electrical and oil assets, as well as in border and coastal security. Delivery of the first two aircraft is scheduled for mid-July, he said.

What's next? Combat aircraft?

Apparently, the U.S. government has not learned it's lessons from the '70s and '80s:

NEVER SELL HIGH-TECH EQUIPMENT TO AN UNSTABLE NATION

While I am not entirely sure the planes came from the US (the article mentions Jordan), you do have a point. Heaven forbid they fall into the wrong hands and are used as flying bombs or something along those lines.
This purchase doesnt seem to be the best idea in the world since Iraq is still somewhat unstable in places.

[edit on 6/16/2004 by Trojanex]