Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — Iraq has advanced in efforts to acquire the U.S.-origin F-16 multi-role fighter despite its close ties with Iran.

Lockheed Martin has completed the maiden flight of the F-16 Block 52+ aircraft for the Iraq Air Force.

Iraq has ordered 36 F-16s in two batches through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales Program.

“Lockheed Martin successfully completed the first flight of the inaugural F-16 Fighting Falcon for the Iraq Air Force,” L-M said.

In a statement on May 7, L-M said the maiden F-16 flight took place near its facility in Fort Worth, Texas.

Officials said the first F-16 delivery to Iraq was expected around July 2014. They said the U.S. Air Force was training Iraqi pilots and technicians to operate the fourth-generation aircraft.

  Iraq to get first of 36 F-16s in July, Lockheed Martin, U.S. Foreign Military Sales Program