Iraq receives third batch of F-16 fighter jets

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World Aviation Defense & Security News - Iraq
 
 
Iraq receives third batch of F-16 fighter jets
 
The Iraqi air force has received a new batch of qour F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the United States, the country's Defense Ministry’s spokesman, Brig. Gen. Tahseen Ibrahim, told The Associated Press on Monday. He said this will bolster Iraq’s fledging air force amid more than two years of fighting with the Islamic State group.
     
Iraq receives third batch of F 16 fighter jets 640 001 An IAF F-16D Block 52 fighter aircraft
     
"The new aircrafts will have a substantial impact on the advancing ground troops especially when the Mosul offensive starts," said Brig. Gen. Tahseen Ibrahim on Sunday.

The US has so far delivered 10 F16 aircrafts in three phases since 2014. These aircraft are part of a $2bn deal for 36 F-16 fighter jets signed with the United States.

The US temporarily postponed the delivery of the planes in 2014 after ISIS takeover of army installations in Nineveh province. The planes were instead sent to an Arizona air base where Iraqi pilots were being trained to fly the advanced aircraft.

A total of 26 pilots are expected to be trained, and 16 have been in training so far. US Air Force officials have said the Iraqis are being trained by the Air National Guard Unit at Tucson International Airport.