Title: Iraqi Defense
Description: news, updates, upgrades
Description: news, updates, upgrades
Dancing Fire - July 10, 2004 12:00 PM (GMT)
John Pike (GlobalSecurity) has a list of proposed weapons and equipment to be given to the new Iraqi Military. Among the items are: 500 M1A1 tanks, 750 M60 tanks, 1500 M113’s, 40 F-15’s and 160 F-16’s.
More here
More here
Duminus - July 11, 2004 02:50 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Dancing Fire @ Jul 10 2004, 08:00 PM) |
| John Pike (GlobalSecurity) has a list of proposed weapons and equipment to be given to the new Iraqi Military. Among the items are: 500 M1A1 tanks, 750 M60 tanks, 1500 M113’s, 40 F-15’s and 160 F-16’s. More here |
M1A2s and F15s ... :P and just given!
Banahaw - July 13, 2004 02:14 AM (GMT)
if only the yanks can spare us even 100 M60s and 300 M113s ill be a happy man.
corinthian - July 13, 2004 02:48 AM (GMT)
how about 30 f15s and 30 f16s not to mention 100 V-300s
aldon - July 13, 2004 07:32 AM (GMT)
The list is too...hmmm... unrealistic. But it is possible. I'll give you one good reason why they can get those:
OIL!!!
OIL!!!
Iron Dragon - July 16, 2004 07:37 AM (GMT)
Just a quarter of each weapon system on the list and we are OK. :)
Uzi 0 - August 22, 2004 02:32 AM (GMT)
British-trained Iraq air force begins work guarding oil facilities, borders
BAGHDAD (AFP) Aug 20, 2004
A new Iraqi air force, trained by Britain's Royal Air Force, has begun work guarding key oil installations and the country's porous borders, the US-led military said Friday.
Two SB7L-360 SEEKER reconnaissance aircraft started limited operations on Thursday, a statement said.
"We are rebuilding the air force and it is giving us a different responsibility," an Iraqi commander, identified only as Colonel Abed, was quoted as saying.
"These flights are meant to protect the oil installations, power lines and our borders from enemies."
The two Australian-made reconnaissance planes fitted with high-resolution surveillance systems were purchased in Jordan in June.
"They are the first of an eventual force of 10 light aircraft of similar capability which will be contracted for by September 21," the statement said.
The two-man, single-engine planes are capable of providing live observation feedback to ground forces and additionally carry digital video recording hardware and other reconnaissance technology.
"The attitude and training of the pilots is very good," said the RAF's Group Captain Neil Jagger, who was head of aviation in the training team.
"We're helping to develop their general awareness with everything around them."
The Iraqi air force currently consists of around 162 servicemen and is aiming for an initial target of 502 trained personnel by December.
Iraq's oil infrastructure has been repeatedly hit by sabotage, mainly by Sunni Muslim insurgents but also by Shiite militiamen in recent weeks.
link
BAGHDAD (AFP) Aug 20, 2004
A new Iraqi air force, trained by Britain's Royal Air Force, has begun work guarding key oil installations and the country's porous borders, the US-led military said Friday.
Two SB7L-360 SEEKER reconnaissance aircraft started limited operations on Thursday, a statement said.
"We are rebuilding the air force and it is giving us a different responsibility," an Iraqi commander, identified only as Colonel Abed, was quoted as saying.
"These flights are meant to protect the oil installations, power lines and our borders from enemies."
The two Australian-made reconnaissance planes fitted with high-resolution surveillance systems were purchased in Jordan in June.
"They are the first of an eventual force of 10 light aircraft of similar capability which will be contracted for by September 21," the statement said.
The two-man, single-engine planes are capable of providing live observation feedback to ground forces and additionally carry digital video recording hardware and other reconnaissance technology.
"The attitude and training of the pilots is very good," said the RAF's Group Captain Neil Jagger, who was head of aviation in the training team.
"We're helping to develop their general awareness with everything around them."
The Iraqi air force currently consists of around 162 servicemen and is aiming for an initial target of 502 trained personnel by December.
Iraq's oil infrastructure has been repeatedly hit by sabotage, mainly by Sunni Muslim insurgents but also by Shiite militiamen in recent weeks.
link
israeli - August 11, 2005 03:46 PM (GMT)
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_...06/ai_n13644073
Iraqi Navy to Receive Saddam-Era Corvettes from Italian Firm
Sea Power, June 2005
Two Assad-class corvettes built for Iraq in the 1980s will be released to the Iraqi Navy by Italy. Although the delivery date for the corvettes has not been determined, Italy agreed to begin training the Iraqi crews in order to transfer the ships.
The two Assad-class corvettes are the remnants of a six-ship deal between former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and Fincantieri SpA in 1981. After all six units were built, however, they could not be delivered to the Iraqi Navy due to United Nations sanctions on Iraq for its war against Iran.
The first four units of the class were sold to Malaysia, two in 1995 and two in 1996. The remaining two units were maintained at Fincantieri until present. Negotiations between the new Iraqi government and Italy began in 2004. The new agreement was reached in March.
The Iraqi Navy took delivery of five Taiwanese-built 28-meter patrol boats in the first quarter of 2004, followed by six Iraqi-built Al Uboor-class patrol craft in 2005.
----------
sayang. the Philippines could have gotten these embargoed Wadi M'ragh class corvettes, along with the others sold by Italy to Malaysia, if the PN was fast enough to get them. :headbang:
Iraqi Navy to Receive Saddam-Era Corvettes from Italian Firm
Sea Power, June 2005
Two Assad-class corvettes built for Iraq in the 1980s will be released to the Iraqi Navy by Italy. Although the delivery date for the corvettes has not been determined, Italy agreed to begin training the Iraqi crews in order to transfer the ships.
The two Assad-class corvettes are the remnants of a six-ship deal between former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and Fincantieri SpA in 1981. After all six units were built, however, they could not be delivered to the Iraqi Navy due to United Nations sanctions on Iraq for its war against Iran.
The first four units of the class were sold to Malaysia, two in 1995 and two in 1996. The remaining two units were maintained at Fincantieri until present. Negotiations between the new Iraqi government and Italy began in 2004. The new agreement was reached in March.
The Iraqi Navy took delivery of five Taiwanese-built 28-meter patrol boats in the first quarter of 2004, followed by six Iraqi-built Al Uboor-class patrol craft in 2005.
----------
sayang. the Philippines could have gotten these embargoed Wadi M'ragh class corvettes, along with the others sold by Italy to Malaysia, if the PN was fast enough to get them. :headbang:
datu - August 22, 2005 07:23 AM (GMT)
Iraq’s Air Force Being Rebuilt from the Ground Up
By CARLOS HAMANN, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, ALI BASE, Iraq
Iraq’s new Air Force is being rebuilt from the ground up at this sprawling desert base outside Nasiriyah, once Saddam Hussein’s center of air operations against Iran during the 1980-1988 war.
Now the site, 375 kilometers (235 miles) southeast of Baghdad, is home to Air Force Squadron 23 and its three C-130 Hercules transport planes.
The U.S.-donated planes are the backbone of the Air Force, which also includes a dozen light reconnaissance planes and another dozen helicopters spread across the country. Officials are vague on numbers for security reasons.
Currently, 109 Iraqi students — all Air Force veterans with years of experience — are learning how to maintain and fly the Hercules fleet. The youngest trainee is 30. Others appear twice that age.
Gone are the days of Saddam’s air armada of 500 warplanes, which included Russian MiG 21 and MiG 25 fighters, Sukhoi fighter-bombers and French Mirage interceptors.
Somewhat bizarrely, most of Saddam’s planes were flown to Iran during the 1991 Gulf War to prevent them from being destroyed in U.S. bombing raids.
Unsurprisingly those aircraft were not returned by the time Iraq’s next conflict rolled around, and any valuable surviving planes were buried in the desert.
Just days after the U.S.-led invasion began in March 2003 “we removed the engines and the wings of six MiG 25s and buried them in the desert,” said an Iraqi Air Force veteran, now a captain in the new force.
“It was crazy, but nobody dared contradict Saddam. He thought the war would last just a few months.”
Facing death threats and attacks on their families by anti-government insurgents, the Iraqi officers and airmen agreed to speak only on condition of anonymity.
With no aircraft left, the main asset available as the foundation of a new post-Saddam Air Force was the expertise of these veterans.
In January 2005, the three Hercules arrived and U.S. and British officials began offering training and advice to help rebuild the new force.
The first class of Hercules operators took lessons in Jordan in late 2004 before starting courses at Ali base in January. They are expected to complete their training in January 2006.
A second group also went to Jordan and are expected to finish in May or June 2006.
“Everyone here loves his country and would be happy to see his country stand proudly again,” said one Iraqi warrant officer, a gray-haired veteran with 18 years’ experience.
The C-130 has a crew of five — a pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, navigator and loadmaster.
The three planes need at least 53 ground personnel to make sure they are properly maintained — everything from engine upkeep to checking for cracks in the fuselage to making sure the straps that hold the cargo are not frayed.
The ground crew being trained got their experience maintaining Russian-made transport planes from the Saddam era.
One Iraqi warrant officer with 23 years’ experience gazed wistfully at a private Ilyushin Il-76 plane taxiing down the Ali base’s runway, as he took a break from checking hydraulics on the Hercules.
“It’s my love,” he sighed, then launched into a description of the Russian plane, which carries three times the amount of cargo of a Hercules. “And it has only one type of hydraulic fluid, not three,” he said.
The officer said he was aboard one of the 20 Il-76s that Saddam ordered flown to neighboring Iran in 1991.
The Iranians held him and the other flight crews for a month, then kicked them out and refused to give the planes back, he said.
The U.S. instructors want the trainees to eventually teach what they learned to a new crop of Iraqi airmen and pilots.
“We’re trying to get them to train people,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Jed McCray, head of the maintenance training program. “Come next summer we plan to be gone and have them sustain themselves.”
But in order to be ultimately successful, “they’re going to have to get some young people in,” McCrae said.
http://defensenews.com/story.php?F=1045513&C=airwar
---
Also reported but not confirmed, the Greek Army might transfer all or some of their BMP IFVs to Iraq's new Army. Greece has some 500 BMP-1s, and is replacing them in the interim with MarderA3 from Germany before a Greek choose a new tender to fully replace these vehicles with new vehicles.
By CARLOS HAMANN, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, ALI BASE, Iraq
Iraq’s new Air Force is being rebuilt from the ground up at this sprawling desert base outside Nasiriyah, once Saddam Hussein’s center of air operations against Iran during the 1980-1988 war.
Now the site, 375 kilometers (235 miles) southeast of Baghdad, is home to Air Force Squadron 23 and its three C-130 Hercules transport planes.
The U.S.-donated planes are the backbone of the Air Force, which also includes a dozen light reconnaissance planes and another dozen helicopters spread across the country. Officials are vague on numbers for security reasons.
Currently, 109 Iraqi students — all Air Force veterans with years of experience — are learning how to maintain and fly the Hercules fleet. The youngest trainee is 30. Others appear twice that age.
Gone are the days of Saddam’s air armada of 500 warplanes, which included Russian MiG 21 and MiG 25 fighters, Sukhoi fighter-bombers and French Mirage interceptors.
Somewhat bizarrely, most of Saddam’s planes were flown to Iran during the 1991 Gulf War to prevent them from being destroyed in U.S. bombing raids.
Unsurprisingly those aircraft were not returned by the time Iraq’s next conflict rolled around, and any valuable surviving planes were buried in the desert.
Just days after the U.S.-led invasion began in March 2003 “we removed the engines and the wings of six MiG 25s and buried them in the desert,” said an Iraqi Air Force veteran, now a captain in the new force.
“It was crazy, but nobody dared contradict Saddam. He thought the war would last just a few months.”
Facing death threats and attacks on their families by anti-government insurgents, the Iraqi officers and airmen agreed to speak only on condition of anonymity.
With no aircraft left, the main asset available as the foundation of a new post-Saddam Air Force was the expertise of these veterans.
In January 2005, the three Hercules arrived and U.S. and British officials began offering training and advice to help rebuild the new force.
The first class of Hercules operators took lessons in Jordan in late 2004 before starting courses at Ali base in January. They are expected to complete their training in January 2006.
A second group also went to Jordan and are expected to finish in May or June 2006.
“Everyone here loves his country and would be happy to see his country stand proudly again,” said one Iraqi warrant officer, a gray-haired veteran with 18 years’ experience.
The C-130 has a crew of five — a pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, navigator and loadmaster.
The three planes need at least 53 ground personnel to make sure they are properly maintained — everything from engine upkeep to checking for cracks in the fuselage to making sure the straps that hold the cargo are not frayed.
The ground crew being trained got their experience maintaining Russian-made transport planes from the Saddam era.
One Iraqi warrant officer with 23 years’ experience gazed wistfully at a private Ilyushin Il-76 plane taxiing down the Ali base’s runway, as he took a break from checking hydraulics on the Hercules.
“It’s my love,” he sighed, then launched into a description of the Russian plane, which carries three times the amount of cargo of a Hercules. “And it has only one type of hydraulic fluid, not three,” he said.
The officer said he was aboard one of the 20 Il-76s that Saddam ordered flown to neighboring Iran in 1991.
The Iranians held him and the other flight crews for a month, then kicked them out and refused to give the planes back, he said.
The U.S. instructors want the trainees to eventually teach what they learned to a new crop of Iraqi airmen and pilots.
“We’re trying to get them to train people,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Jed McCray, head of the maintenance training program. “Come next summer we plan to be gone and have them sustain themselves.”
But in order to be ultimately successful, “they’re going to have to get some young people in,” McCrae said.
http://defensenews.com/story.php?F=1045513&C=airwar
---
Also reported but not confirmed, the Greek Army might transfer all or some of their BMP IFVs to Iraq's new Army. Greece has some 500 BMP-1s, and is replacing them in the interim with MarderA3 from Germany before a Greek choose a new tender to fully replace these vehicles with new vehicles.
israeli - August 28, 2005 12:15 PM (GMT)
sooner or later, the US might just transfer to Iraq all of its surplus F-16A/B Block 10s and F-15A/Bs. damn!!! :headbang: :drunk:
Wardog - August 28, 2005 12:27 PM (GMT)
Israeli, its but natural for the US to provide military equipment to the ING. They want to get the hell out of there ASAP.
datu - December 19, 2005 08:34 AM (GMT)
http://www.defendamerica.gov/articles/Dec2...a121205dg3.html
By U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Bukowinski
Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq
Coalition Air Force Transition Team
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 12, 2005 — Work is moving forward to upgrade 16 helicopters donated to the Iraqi Air Force by Jordan.
The work will elevate the UH-1H helicopters to Huey II configurations, which will provide a more suitable helicopter for meeting battlefield mobility requirements.
Personnel with the Coalition Air Force Transition Team of the Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq have been working closely with ARINC Engineering Systems on the modifications. The work will be done by U.S. Helicopter in Alabama and is expected to take eight to nine months per helicopter. Preparations for transporting the helicopters to the U.S. will take place over the next two to three months in Iraq and Jordan.
The upgrade involves stripping each helicopter down to bare metal, refurbishing and rewiring. The basic structure will also be reinforced to accept the Huey II kit, which will add more gross weight, increased power and torque. Upgraded engines in each helicopter will provide about 30 percent more power for take-offs; the Huey IIs will also be outfitted with new rotor blades and tail booms. The modifications should extend the service life of the helicopters by 20 years.
The first upgraded Huey II is expected to roll out of U.S. Helicopter in late 2006, with Iraqi Air Force pilots flying them in early 2007.
By U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Bukowinski
Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq
Coalition Air Force Transition Team
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 12, 2005 — Work is moving forward to upgrade 16 helicopters donated to the Iraqi Air Force by Jordan.
The work will elevate the UH-1H helicopters to Huey II configurations, which will provide a more suitable helicopter for meeting battlefield mobility requirements.
Personnel with the Coalition Air Force Transition Team of the Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq have been working closely with ARINC Engineering Systems on the modifications. The work will be done by U.S. Helicopter in Alabama and is expected to take eight to nine months per helicopter. Preparations for transporting the helicopters to the U.S. will take place over the next two to three months in Iraq and Jordan.
The upgrade involves stripping each helicopter down to bare metal, refurbishing and rewiring. The basic structure will also be reinforced to accept the Huey II kit, which will add more gross weight, increased power and torque. Upgraded engines in each helicopter will provide about 30 percent more power for take-offs; the Huey IIs will also be outfitted with new rotor blades and tail booms. The modifications should extend the service life of the helicopters by 20 years.
The first upgraded Huey II is expected to roll out of U.S. Helicopter in late 2006, with Iraqi Air Force pilots flying them in early 2007.
saver111 - December 19, 2005 09:05 AM (GMT)
Those might be the Hueys listed as for sale in Jordan together with their F5's.
israeli - December 19, 2005 03:52 PM (GMT)
damn! Iraq is now competing with the Philippines for those UH-1H Huey IIs and F-5E/Fs! :headbang:
el_commandante - December 19, 2005 04:19 PM (GMT)
I would not be surprised if Iraq would soon receive F16MLU from the US
israeli - December 19, 2005 04:23 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (el_commandante @ Dec 20 2005, 12:19 AM) |
| I would not be surprised if Iraq would soon receive F16MLU from the US |
Pakistan is already on its way in receiving, with US assistance, those F-16A/B MLUs from Belgium and the Netherlands.
maybe the US will hand over to Iraq most of the AMARC-stored F-16A/B Block 10, Block 15 and ADF fighters sometime soon... or better yet, some of the stored F-15A/B Eagles! :headbang:
israeli - January 8, 2006 05:23 AM (GMT)
a look into the New Iraqi Air Force. sooner or later, the Iraqis will be better off than us Filipinos. :drunk: :headbang:
http://www.milavia.net/airforces/iraq/iqaf.htm
(New) Iraqi Air Force (IqAF) and Iraqi Army Air Corps
Introduction
After the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, it became evident that Iraq would need to rebuild its air force from scratch. In April 2004, the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) announced that the first steps to form a New Iraqi Air Force were taken. The new Iraqi Air Force is required to carry out border patrol and aerial surveillance. Especially a capability in the latter role is needed to secure Iraq's network of oil piping. Iraq is also required to build up its transport capability of both cargo and personnel, including VIPs.
At the same time, the Iraqi Army is being reformed. At this time, it is believed that the Iraqi Army will have its own air component. For ease, we will report about the aircraft and helicopters for both services in this report.
Light Aircraft
The first aircraft to enter service with the newly formed Iraqi Air Force, were two Seeker SB7L-360 light surveillance aircraft. The contract was awarded after an accelerated tender in June 2004 to Seabird Aviation Jordan, a joint venture between Jordan's King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau and Seabird Aviation Australia. The contract worth 2.3 million USD included training, maintenance and support. The Seabird Seekers were handed over on 29 July 2004 and airlifted by a USAF C-130H to Basrah Air Base on 18 August 2004. The aircraft carry a sand-colored camoflage, the Iraqi flag on the fin, and serials YI-101 and YI-102. 70 Squadron was formed at Basrah to operate the aircraft.
Although initially believed to be destined for Seabird, the follow up order for more light utility aircraft was awarded to a US company offering the SAMA CH2000. The aircraft are assembled by Jordan Aerospace Industries in Amman. The aircraft is based on the Canadian design of the Zenair Zenith 2000. The CH2000-MTSA (Military Tactical Surveillance Aircraft) version is a two-seat surveillance and training aircraft fitted with optical-electronic system with IR Thermal imaging and daytime TV camera. The contract is for eight CH2000s with an option for eight more aircraft. Initially all eight aircraft of the first batch were to be delivered by March 2005. Although the first two examples (YI-103 YI-104) were delivered on 18 January 2005, the remaining six aircraft were rescheduled to be delivered by the end of July 2005. All eight aircraft of the first batch are destined for 70 Squadron at Basrah Air Base. The second batch will go to 2 Squadron at Kirkuk AB, if the option is exercised. Both squadrons were expected to reach full operational status in September 2005.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) donated four Aerocomp Comp Air 7SL turboprop light aircraft, quickly followed by an additional batch of three. The first batch of the 6-seat aircraft was delivered on 13 November 2004 and are equipped with a recce sensor suite. But it is believed they will be operated primarily in the utility role, because of its larger passenger capacity as well as oil pipeline surveillance. They equip 3 Squadron and will be joined later by the ex-UAEAF Bell 206B helicopters (see helicopter section). 3 Squadrons was declared operational on 10 April 2005, after graduation from basic training by the initial six pilots and eight maintenance engineers.
Unfortunately one Iraqi Air Force Comp Air 7SL was lost in a fatal crash during an operational mission from Kirkuk Air Base on 30 May 2005. Four U.S. servicemen and one Iraqi airman died when it crashed near Jalula, about 50 miles northeast of Baquba, Iraq. This was the first loss of an aircraft since the re-equipment of the Iraqi Air Force. Six Comp Air remain in service.
Transports
Jordan has donated two C-130B Hercules tactical transport aircraft. The aircraft were formerly in service with the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) but were put into storage in the early 1990s. Prior to delivery, they will be fully overhauled. The CPA announced in April 2004 a requirement of a total of six C-130 Hercules aircraft. Three ex-USAF C-130E Hercules aircraft were handed over in January 2005 by the United States. Prior to delivery the aircraft had been overhauled and although still in USAF transport colors it carries Iraqi Air Force titles and the Iraqi flag on the tail.
The C-130 fleet will be uperated operated by 23rd Iraqi Transport Squadron from Al Muthana Air Base in Baghdad, when its facilities are ready.
The 23rd Iraqi Transport Squadron was originally activated on July 14, 1965, at Al Rasheed Air Base. Its primary mission was and will continue to be transporting military personnel and equipment. About 65 Iraqi Air Force personnel, including four crews, have completed a four-month lead-in course in Jordan and are now trained at Tallil Air Base in Iraq by the 23rd Advisory Support Team, an element of the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron from Little Rock AFB, Arkanses. to fly and maintain the new airplanes. The training is expected to end in May 2006 when the squadron has been fully trained.
Helicopters
Jordan donated 16 ex-RJAF UH-1H utility helicopters. The helicopters are overhauled prior to delivery, the last aircraft to be expected for delivery in February 2006. The first two examples were delivered on 1 February 2005 arriving at Taji Air Base. Reportedly the first 14 of 48 pilots have completed training and six UH-1Hs have been delivered by now. They will operated from Taji AB in two squadrons, believed to be 2 and 4 Squadron.
The UAE donated four Bell 206B JetRanger helicopters in December 2004, but delivery was delayed until May/June 2005. They arrived at Baghdad International Airport retaining their UAEAF colors with the markings removed. They will be operated by 3 Squadron based at New Al Muthana, West Badghdad International Airport Air Base.
On 15 December 2004, the new Iraqi Ministry of Defence signed two contracts for more helicopters with Polish state-owned defence industry consortium BUMAR. The first contract worth about 132 million USD covered 20 PZL Swidnik W-3 Sokol helicopters. The helicopters were destined for the Iraqi Army and would have been delivered in November 2005. The order consisted of four VIP configured, four MEDEVAC configured and twelve armed assault helicopters. The contract included the training of ten Iraqi pilots and 24 maintenance and technical personnel. However BUMAR announced in mid April 2005 that the contract will not proceed as planned. It is believed that the delivery schedule proposed by PZL Swidnik were not acceptable. For the time being, only two W-3s will be delivered in 2005 for testing.
The second contract worth 105 million USD includes among other equipment the delivery of 24 Mil Mi-17 helicopters. BUMAR will deliver reworked second-hand Mi-17 aircraft. Air Forces Monthly recently published a photo of one of five Mi-17s being prepared for delivery at the Spark rework facility at Pulkovo Airport, St. Petersburg, Russia. All five were painted in a three-tone green/redbrown/desert camouflage scheme, and will be delivered to Iraq airfreighted by Il-76s when rework is completed. They are the first of the 24 Mi-17s to acquired for Iraq by BUMAR. Although earlier reports suggested the overhaul work would be carried out at the PZL-1 military helicopters repair plant at Lodz, Poland, it now seems this is subject to the contracts signed for acquisition of the second-hand helicopters. It is not yet known whether the Mi-17s will be delivered to the Army or Air Force or be split between the services, although it is likely that the Iraqi Air Force will operate them in support of the Army until more aircraft and helicopters are delivered to the country's military.
The Polish Deputy Defence Minister has stated that some of the equipment used by the Polish troops currently deployed in Iraq, may stay in the country for the new Iraqi armed forces. This equipment will probably include some W-3 helicopters. Also a new order for a number of Sokols is expected and could exceed the initial figure of 20.
Training
For training of Iraqi Air Force aircrews and personnel, the commander of the Iraqi Air Force has requested support from the Polish Air Force. The Polish Air Force Academy at Deblin was assessed by the Iraqi Air Force and fully meets the requirement. The long-term cooperation includes training for fast jet pilots, helicopter and transport aircraft crews, air traffic controllers, ground intercept controllers and technicians. All training will start with an six-month English course, general military training and physical training.
Sources & Resources:
- Air Forces Monthly 2005 - Jan, Feb, June, July, Sep
- Air Forces Monthly 2004 - Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
- Scramble
- US Department of Defense
- USAF: Iraq Newslink
- Portal Iraq
- DefendAmerica: Iraqi Pilots Fly Prime Minister for First C-130 Mission
- Jordan Aerospace Industries
Serials (confirmed & unconfirmed)
Seeker SB7L-360
- YI-101, ex JY-SEA
- YI-102,
SAMA CH2000
- YI-103
- YI-104
Comp Air 7SL
UH-1H
- YI-201, ex RJAF
- YI-203, c/n 11583, ex RJAF 827 and South Vietnamese AF 68-15295
- YI-204, ex RJAF
C-130E
- YI-301, c/n 382-3802, ex 62-1839
- YI-302, c/n 382-3790, ex 62-1826
- YI-303, c/n 382-3903, ex 63-7826
Bell 206B
- ???, ex UAEAF 171
C-130B (not yet delivered)
- ???, ex RJAF 341
- ???, ex RJAF 340
http://www.milavia.net/airforces/iraq/iqaf.htm
(New) Iraqi Air Force (IqAF) and Iraqi Army Air Corps
Introduction
After the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, it became evident that Iraq would need to rebuild its air force from scratch. In April 2004, the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) announced that the first steps to form a New Iraqi Air Force were taken. The new Iraqi Air Force is required to carry out border patrol and aerial surveillance. Especially a capability in the latter role is needed to secure Iraq's network of oil piping. Iraq is also required to build up its transport capability of both cargo and personnel, including VIPs.
At the same time, the Iraqi Army is being reformed. At this time, it is believed that the Iraqi Army will have its own air component. For ease, we will report about the aircraft and helicopters for both services in this report.
Light Aircraft
The first aircraft to enter service with the newly formed Iraqi Air Force, were two Seeker SB7L-360 light surveillance aircraft. The contract was awarded after an accelerated tender in June 2004 to Seabird Aviation Jordan, a joint venture between Jordan's King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau and Seabird Aviation Australia. The contract worth 2.3 million USD included training, maintenance and support. The Seabird Seekers were handed over on 29 July 2004 and airlifted by a USAF C-130H to Basrah Air Base on 18 August 2004. The aircraft carry a sand-colored camoflage, the Iraqi flag on the fin, and serials YI-101 and YI-102. 70 Squadron was formed at Basrah to operate the aircraft.
Although initially believed to be destined for Seabird, the follow up order for more light utility aircraft was awarded to a US company offering the SAMA CH2000. The aircraft are assembled by Jordan Aerospace Industries in Amman. The aircraft is based on the Canadian design of the Zenair Zenith 2000. The CH2000-MTSA (Military Tactical Surveillance Aircraft) version is a two-seat surveillance and training aircraft fitted with optical-electronic system with IR Thermal imaging and daytime TV camera. The contract is for eight CH2000s with an option for eight more aircraft. Initially all eight aircraft of the first batch were to be delivered by March 2005. Although the first two examples (YI-103 YI-104) were delivered on 18 January 2005, the remaining six aircraft were rescheduled to be delivered by the end of July 2005. All eight aircraft of the first batch are destined for 70 Squadron at Basrah Air Base. The second batch will go to 2 Squadron at Kirkuk AB, if the option is exercised. Both squadrons were expected to reach full operational status in September 2005.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) donated four Aerocomp Comp Air 7SL turboprop light aircraft, quickly followed by an additional batch of three. The first batch of the 6-seat aircraft was delivered on 13 November 2004 and are equipped with a recce sensor suite. But it is believed they will be operated primarily in the utility role, because of its larger passenger capacity as well as oil pipeline surveillance. They equip 3 Squadron and will be joined later by the ex-UAEAF Bell 206B helicopters (see helicopter section). 3 Squadrons was declared operational on 10 April 2005, after graduation from basic training by the initial six pilots and eight maintenance engineers.
Unfortunately one Iraqi Air Force Comp Air 7SL was lost in a fatal crash during an operational mission from Kirkuk Air Base on 30 May 2005. Four U.S. servicemen and one Iraqi airman died when it crashed near Jalula, about 50 miles northeast of Baquba, Iraq. This was the first loss of an aircraft since the re-equipment of the Iraqi Air Force. Six Comp Air remain in service.
Transports
Jordan has donated two C-130B Hercules tactical transport aircraft. The aircraft were formerly in service with the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) but were put into storage in the early 1990s. Prior to delivery, they will be fully overhauled. The CPA announced in April 2004 a requirement of a total of six C-130 Hercules aircraft. Three ex-USAF C-130E Hercules aircraft were handed over in January 2005 by the United States. Prior to delivery the aircraft had been overhauled and although still in USAF transport colors it carries Iraqi Air Force titles and the Iraqi flag on the tail.
The C-130 fleet will be uperated operated by 23rd Iraqi Transport Squadron from Al Muthana Air Base in Baghdad, when its facilities are ready.
The 23rd Iraqi Transport Squadron was originally activated on July 14, 1965, at Al Rasheed Air Base. Its primary mission was and will continue to be transporting military personnel and equipment. About 65 Iraqi Air Force personnel, including four crews, have completed a four-month lead-in course in Jordan and are now trained at Tallil Air Base in Iraq by the 23rd Advisory Support Team, an element of the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron from Little Rock AFB, Arkanses. to fly and maintain the new airplanes. The training is expected to end in May 2006 when the squadron has been fully trained.
Helicopters
Jordan donated 16 ex-RJAF UH-1H utility helicopters. The helicopters are overhauled prior to delivery, the last aircraft to be expected for delivery in February 2006. The first two examples were delivered on 1 February 2005 arriving at Taji Air Base. Reportedly the first 14 of 48 pilots have completed training and six UH-1Hs have been delivered by now. They will operated from Taji AB in two squadrons, believed to be 2 and 4 Squadron.
The UAE donated four Bell 206B JetRanger helicopters in December 2004, but delivery was delayed until May/June 2005. They arrived at Baghdad International Airport retaining their UAEAF colors with the markings removed. They will be operated by 3 Squadron based at New Al Muthana, West Badghdad International Airport Air Base.
On 15 December 2004, the new Iraqi Ministry of Defence signed two contracts for more helicopters with Polish state-owned defence industry consortium BUMAR. The first contract worth about 132 million USD covered 20 PZL Swidnik W-3 Sokol helicopters. The helicopters were destined for the Iraqi Army and would have been delivered in November 2005. The order consisted of four VIP configured, four MEDEVAC configured and twelve armed assault helicopters. The contract included the training of ten Iraqi pilots and 24 maintenance and technical personnel. However BUMAR announced in mid April 2005 that the contract will not proceed as planned. It is believed that the delivery schedule proposed by PZL Swidnik were not acceptable. For the time being, only two W-3s will be delivered in 2005 for testing.
The second contract worth 105 million USD includes among other equipment the delivery of 24 Mil Mi-17 helicopters. BUMAR will deliver reworked second-hand Mi-17 aircraft. Air Forces Monthly recently published a photo of one of five Mi-17s being prepared for delivery at the Spark rework facility at Pulkovo Airport, St. Petersburg, Russia. All five were painted in a three-tone green/redbrown/desert camouflage scheme, and will be delivered to Iraq airfreighted by Il-76s when rework is completed. They are the first of the 24 Mi-17s to acquired for Iraq by BUMAR. Although earlier reports suggested the overhaul work would be carried out at the PZL-1 military helicopters repair plant at Lodz, Poland, it now seems this is subject to the contracts signed for acquisition of the second-hand helicopters. It is not yet known whether the Mi-17s will be delivered to the Army or Air Force or be split between the services, although it is likely that the Iraqi Air Force will operate them in support of the Army until more aircraft and helicopters are delivered to the country's military.
The Polish Deputy Defence Minister has stated that some of the equipment used by the Polish troops currently deployed in Iraq, may stay in the country for the new Iraqi armed forces. This equipment will probably include some W-3 helicopters. Also a new order for a number of Sokols is expected and could exceed the initial figure of 20.
Training
For training of Iraqi Air Force aircrews and personnel, the commander of the Iraqi Air Force has requested support from the Polish Air Force. The Polish Air Force Academy at Deblin was assessed by the Iraqi Air Force and fully meets the requirement. The long-term cooperation includes training for fast jet pilots, helicopter and transport aircraft crews, air traffic controllers, ground intercept controllers and technicians. All training will start with an six-month English course, general military training and physical training.
Sources & Resources:
- Air Forces Monthly 2005 - Jan, Feb, June, July, Sep
- Air Forces Monthly 2004 - Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
- Scramble
- US Department of Defense
- USAF: Iraq Newslink
- Portal Iraq
- DefendAmerica: Iraqi Pilots Fly Prime Minister for First C-130 Mission
- Jordan Aerospace Industries
Serials (confirmed & unconfirmed)
Seeker SB7L-360
- YI-101, ex JY-SEA
- YI-102,
SAMA CH2000
- YI-103
- YI-104
Comp Air 7SL
UH-1H
- YI-201, ex RJAF
- YI-203, c/n 11583, ex RJAF 827 and South Vietnamese AF 68-15295
- YI-204, ex RJAF
C-130E
- YI-301, c/n 382-3802, ex 62-1839
- YI-302, c/n 382-3790, ex 62-1826
- YI-303, c/n 382-3903, ex 63-7826
Bell 206B
- ???, ex UAEAF 171
C-130B (not yet delivered)
- ???, ex RJAF 341
- ???, ex RJAF 340
saver111 - January 9, 2006 04:29 AM (GMT)
Yeah, too many rich neighbours investing friendship. And to add, Iraq's capability to export oil. Talagang malayo sa ating mga Filipino na wala na nga, watak-watak pa. :bs:
el_commandante - January 9, 2006 10:46 AM (GMT)
Where are the MIG and mirage jets of the old Iraqi Air Force? Did the US forces destroy them all?
saver111 - January 9, 2006 12:08 PM (GMT)
Some are flying the Iranian colors and some were found buried in the desert maybe let to rot so the Iraqis will buy their planes. Some taken by coalition forces for their own use/research.
Wushu - January 10, 2006 05:56 AM (GMT)
i bet the americans just let the french equipment rot to unusability hehehehehe
jammerjamesky - January 10, 2006 06:26 AM (GMT)
Not Just french made Weapons Remember also that Russia and China are Weapon Supplier of IraQ before the War erupted.
tirad - August 5, 2008 01:25 PM (GMT)
On July 31/08, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced [PDF] Iraq’s formal request to buy M1 Abrams tanks, well as the associated vehicles, equipment and services required to keep these tanks in the field. It is likely that the tanks themselves will be transferred from US stocks, but this has not been verified. With this purchase, Iraq will become the 4th M1 Abrams operator in the region, joining Egypt (M1A1s), Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia (M1A2-SEP variant).
Defense-related order requests from Iraq over the last 2 weeks now total over $10.9 billion, and include tanks, wheeled LAV APCs ($3.0b), wheeled M1117 armored cars ($0.26b), armed reconnaissance helicopters ($2.4b), C-130J transport aircraft ($1.5b), and major infrastructure build-outs ($1.6b). Once a DSCA request is made, the rule is that Congress has 30 days to pass a blockage of the sale, or contracts may be negotiated and the sale can go through.
This particular Iraqi request could be worth up to $2.16 billion, and includes…
* 140 M1A1 Abrams tanks, modified and upgraded to the M1A1M configuration
* 20 M1A1 engines
* 20 M1A1 Full Up Power Packs
More: >> http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/M1-Abr...5013/#more-5013
Defense-related order requests from Iraq over the last 2 weeks now total over $10.9 billion, and include tanks, wheeled LAV APCs ($3.0b), wheeled M1117 armored cars ($0.26b), armed reconnaissance helicopters ($2.4b), C-130J transport aircraft ($1.5b), and major infrastructure build-outs ($1.6b). Once a DSCA request is made, the rule is that Congress has 30 days to pass a blockage of the sale, or contracts may be negotiated and the sale can go through.
This particular Iraqi request could be worth up to $2.16 billion, and includes…
* 140 M1A1 Abrams tanks, modified and upgraded to the M1A1M configuration
* 20 M1A1 engines
* 20 M1A1 Full Up Power Packs
More: >> http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/M1-Abr...5013/#more-5013
MSantor - September 5, 2008 08:07 PM (GMT)
And the list continues to grow. F16s fighters for Iraq!!!!
http://news.yahoo.com/story/nm/20080905/ts...xedJt18cUG2GL8C
http://news.yahoo.com/story/nm/20080905/ts...xedJt18cUG2GL8C
| QUOTE |
| Iraq eyes Lockheed F-16 fighter aircraft purchase WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Iraqi government has asked for information about buying 36 F-16 fighter aircraft built by Lockheed Martin Corp, the U.S. Defense Department said on Friday. The request, received August 27, is being reviewed "in the normal course of business" as part of the U.S. government-to-government arms sale process, said Air Force Lt. Col. Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman. Updated F-16s are among the world's most advanced multirole fighters and a powerful symbol of military ties to the United States. Iraq's interest in the fighter jet, reported first by The Wall Street Journal, could spark concerns among neighbors worried about advanced arms in the hands of a country still facing major internal challenges. U.S. reviews of possible arms sale can take a year or more. They involve the departments of State and Defense as well as Congress and weigh power balances, technology security and other thorny issues. If a contract were ultimately signed, deliveries could take another year or more, depending on the model in question. The Pentagon did not specify which F-16 version Iraq was eyeing, nor whether it was new or refurbished. A Lockheed spokesman referred questions to the Pentagon. F-16C/D Block 50/52 models are now being produced for Poland, Israel, Greece and Pakistan. The United Arab Emirates was the maiden customer for the Block 60 version, the most sophisticated F-16 produced to date. More than 4,400 F-16s have been delivered worldwide, according to Bethesda, Maryland-based Lockheed Martin. Morocco this year became the 25th and latest overseas buyer with a deal for 24 new Block 50/52 models and related gear said by the Pentagon to be worth as much as $2.4 billion. Iraq's request for pricing and availability data might not necessarily lead to a sale. Sometimes governments seek such information for planning purposes only, the Pentagon's Ryder said. Flush with billions of dollars from oil sales, Iraq is emerging as the biggest client for a wide range of U.S. weapons -- a shot in the arm for defense contractors such as Lockheed, Boeing Co, Northrop Grumman Corp, General Dynamics Corp and Raytheon Co. Among other systems, Iraq is seeking more than 400 armored vehicles plus six C-130 transport planes built by Lockheed, the Pentagon's No. 1 supplier. On July 30, the Pentagon notified Congress that Iraq also was seeking to buy 24 Textron Inc Bell Armed 407 or 24 Boeing AH-6 helicopters along with 565 120mm mortars, 665 81mm mortars, 200 AGM-114M Hellfire missiles and other arms that could be worth $2.4 billion. Baghdad and Washington are working on a long-term security pact that calls for U.S. military forces to quit Iraq's cities by next summer as a step toward a broader withdrawal from the country that U.S.-led forces invaded in 2003 to topple President Saddam Hussein. F-16s would let Iraqi forces conduct airstrikes of their own on insurgent positions rather than relying on U.S. forces to do so, as is now the case. Overseas sales have kept Lockheed's F-16 production line open after the U.S. military shifted to more advanced fighters, including the radar-evading F-22 also built by Lockheed. "The program is healthy and full of activity, with firm production through 2012 and a strong likelihood of new orders that will extend the line for several more years," John Larson, vice president for Lockheed's F-16 programs, told reporters in July at the Farnborough Air Show outside London. |
el_ramon - September 5, 2008 10:23 PM (GMT)
dapat at "buying" or "window shopping" for f-16's.. dapat lang.. sheesh nowadays they earn massive amount of cash since the re-established oil production. and dapat lang sila naman gumastos sa re-contruction ng Iraq.
but hehe my guess they will buy a cheaper F-16 hehe. :armyredface:
but hehe my guess they will buy a cheaper F-16 hehe. :armyredface:
desertranger - September 6, 2008 02:05 AM (GMT)
Doubt it will push through if ever.....
mazingu - September 6, 2008 04:20 AM (GMT)
Why not?
with increasing oil revenues, Iraq can even afford the Eurofighter or the JSF.
with increasing oil revenues, Iraq can even afford the Eurofighter or the JSF.
desertranger - September 7, 2008 01:44 AM (GMT)
In My humblest opinion, they can't be trusted with super advanced jets because within their military still exsits fragments of distrust and religious or secular differences within themselves. Imagine a renegade pilot armed heading towards a friendly country. The military has started biometrics but that only identifies a person and there is no real effective vetting process for new or rejoiner soldiers and officers. If you read the newspapers they don't tell your an accurate ground truth. They print what you want to hear most of the time to apease us. Just my opinion though. Those same people go outside the wire for about an hour or two and return to their comfort and security and report what they saw or what their interpretor tells them based upon the limited time their there. Also when McCain and the others visited it was orchestrated to portray an agenda there complete with air security and roadblocks and checkpoints and 100s of security both military and civilian. Lastly, during the day the men in uniform may be with us but at night they may also be on the other side.
seWer Rat - September 7, 2008 11:48 PM (GMT)
my bet is money will always prevail, 36 F-16s are a lot of money and money is what the US needs now with its current economic difficulties.
Iraq will just buy from Europe if US refuses to sell.
Iraq will just buy from Europe if US refuses to sell.
el_ramon - September 8, 2008 01:34 AM (GMT)
also, it's pretty important for the americans to have Iraq appear progressive.. i.e. iraqi forces getting stronger and progress is being made.
ofcourse top-of-the-line equipments are obviously out of the question,like the AMRAAM,AESA,etc..
ofcourse top-of-the-line equipments are obviously out of the question,like the AMRAAM,AESA,etc..
page mcney - September 8, 2008 02:52 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (el_ramon @ Sep 6 2008, 06:23 AM) |
| dapat at "buying" or "window shopping" for f-16's.. dapat lang.. sheesh nowadays they earn massive amount of cash since the re-established oil production. and dapat lang sila naman gumastos sa re-contruction ng Iraq. but hehe my guess they will buy a cheaper F-16 hehe. :armyredface: |
buti pa sila... :drool:
seWer Rat - September 9, 2008 12:03 AM (GMT)
live with what he have, we dont have oil but thankfully we dont have suicide bombers either..
Chowking - September 15, 2008 03:24 PM (GMT)
crazy what a waste of money
m1 drinks the fuels
m1 drinks the fuels
Chowking - September 15, 2008 04:23 PM (GMT)
most probably the planes will be flown by Americans and maintained by them
panzerkampfwagen - September 16, 2008 02:13 AM (GMT)
Yep, it drinks a lot of fuel but Iraq has a lot of oil reserves for their M1's to drink very happily. M1 Abrams, although uses a lot of fuel because of it's AGT-1500C multi-fuel turbine engine yet this tanks are proven to be great killing machines in its engagements in the Gulf war, Iraq war, and War against terrorism(Afganistan and Iraq).
The US congress might block and disapprove the planned purchase because Iraq still has its insurgency problems.
The US congress might block and disapprove the planned purchase because Iraq still has its insurgency problems.
seWer Rat - September 18, 2008 03:56 AM (GMT)
140 M1A1Ms for Iraq...nice
makes me wish for another Iran-Iraq war just to see how the Abrams decimate Iran's Zulfiqar tanks. :rifle:
makes me wish for another Iran-Iraq war just to see how the Abrams decimate Iran's Zulfiqar tanks. :rifle:
page mcney - September 21, 2008 12:57 PM (GMT)
i think that's the real purpose for iraq buying these M1A1s, using iraq as another front for iran, very rhetoric indeed...
page mcney - September 21, 2008 01:00 PM (GMT)
in another thread they are also buying abrams tanks (M1A1s)... even LAVs, armored humvees, C-130Js, and others from the US military... they have the money, but do they have the expertise?
or another power projection (by the US) against it's neighbor, IRAN...
panzerkampfwagen - September 21, 2008 10:14 PM (GMT)
Yep I agree :thumb:
MSantor - January 15, 2009 12:18 AM (GMT)
Are they buying these more for the sake of familiarity or budget concerns? I remember posting something before about Iraq also considering buying Abrams. ???
| QUOTE |
| The Iraqi Army is planning to buy up to 2,000 retrofitted, Soviet-era T-72 tanks, U.S. defense companies and Pentagon officials said. Redesignated as T-91s, the tanks would form the heavy core of a reconstituted force meant to be able to defend its country after most U.S. forces leave in 2011. The tanks would be bought from Eastern European countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine and Slovakia, and then stripped to their frames and rebuilt under a contract managed by Defense Solutions of Exton, Pa. "We take the vehicle all the way down to bare metal and back up to a fully modernized vehicle" that can fight at night, said retired U.S. Army Col. Tim Ringgold, the firm's CEO. "We add digital displays, thermal sights and radios along with a laser rangefinder and a laser detector, so that a tank knows if it is being targeted." Ringgold said he expects Iraqi officials to sign a contract with his firm to deliver 2,000 tanks in coming weeks. A U.S. Army official in Iraq who is involved with weapons sales said the deal is likely to go through. The Iraqi Army, which currently owns 149 tanks, wants to buy at least 2,000 more in the next several years, likely including large numbers of T-72s, the official said. A Washington-based spokesman for the Iraqi Ministry of Defense declined to comment on the proposed deal, but said the Iraqi Army is enthusiastic about continuing to build its force with new equipment. The work would begin in February, with deliveries to begin several months later, Ringgold said. Iraq will pay Defense Solutions about $3 million per tank, he said. Subcontractors include DynCorp International, Falls Church, Va.; L-3 Communications, New York; and Omega Training Group, which will perform maintenance on the tanks in Iraq and train Iraqi troops to operate and repair them. A U.S. Department of Defense spokeswoman said the potential deal would be handled by the DoD's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. "The process would be that Iraqi government officials would work with the multinational security and training command in Iraq," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Almarah Belk. "If they want the U.S. to facilitate the purchase of something, they will work with the U.S. security cooperation office in Iraq before submitting a formal letter of request. The letter of request would then come to the Department of Defense, and the policy folks here would look at it and determine the feasibility and potential cost. They would prepare a letter of acceptance to the Iraqi government." The rebuilt tanks would join 77 formerly Hungarian T-72s that Defense Solutions rebuilt and delivered about three years ago. A few weeks ago, Iraq received U.S. State Department permission to buy 140 M1 Abrams tanks and 400 Stryker armored vehicles from the Pentagon, with deliveries in coming months. Ringgold said the Iraqis also want to buy 4,000 armored vehicles and more U.S.-built Abrams tanks. But a rebuilt T-72 is far cheaper than a $10 million Abrams tank, and so provides a way to arm the Iraqi force more inexpensively. Moreover, Iraqi forces are familiar with the T-72, having operated some 2,000 of the Soviet-built tanks until they were destroyed during the 2003 U.S. invasion. Founded in 2001, Defense Solutions also does port security consulting, modernizes combat vehicles and makes individual soldier equipment. "We are one of the few American companies to deal directly with the Iraqi government," Ringgold said. "It is a lengthy, cumbersome process. We have an office in the red zone with an all-Iraq staff. We are in downtown Baghdad." Iraqis To Decide The new tanks will help the Iraqis build a force of mechanized and heavy units as well as lighter infantry. The Iraqi government already has roughly 8,500 U.S.-built Humvees. "The U.S. has left it to the Iraqis to make the decision on equipment - allowing them to have the structure they want to define their new Army," Ringgold said. The U.S. Army in Iraq has been building up the force for the last several years by training the Iraqi Army and giving it some equipment. "You must get them up to the ability to take care of themselves," said Rickey Smith, director of the U.S. Army Capabilities Integration Center – Forward. "If you were trying to help another Army get on its feet, if you give them a more simple system as far as training and sustainment, you can help them." There is a new urgency to the buildup, thanks to the November agreement between Washington and Baghdad to remove most U.S. troops within three years. "Now that the Status of Forces Agreement designed to remove U.S. forces by December 2011 has been signed, we want the Iraqi Army to be able to respond without U.S. involvement," Ringgold said. Part of the rationale for helping arm the Iraqis is to prevent a power vacuum in the region when the majority of U.S. forces leave. "For example, one country that could threaten Iraq is Iran," Ringgold said. "The vehicles we are offering are better than what Iran has, but not equal to what American forces have." One analyst expressed concern about Iraq's choice of the T-72. "We learned in Fallujah and the taking of Baghdad that heavy armor is still valuable. I doubt a T-72 could deal with the EFPs [explosively formed penetrators] being sent by some Iranians to Shiite insurgents," said Loren Thompson, vice president of the Lexington Institute, a Virginia-based think tank. Another analyst praised the possibility of Iraq buying retrofitted T-72s, in part because the retrofitted tanks could be built to be interoperable with U.S. forces. "Basically, this makes sense. The T-72 is a little better than its current reputation, which was formed when Iraqi T-72s went up against U.S. forces in the open desert during the Gulf War," said Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute, a Washington think tank. "While the T-72 is not quite as good as we thought it was in the '80s, it is much better than many other options," he said. "The modernized T-72s would largely be a deterrent against Iran and also a robust means of protection for internal counterinsurgency. |