Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States has launched its F-16 multi-role
fighter program for Iraq.

The Defense Department has issued its first contract for the sale of 18
F-16 Block 52 aircraft to Iraq. On Dec. 5, the Pentagon said it awarded
prime contractor Lockheed Martin an $835 million contract for the F-16s for
the Iraq Air Force.

“The location of the performance is Fort Worth, Texas,” the Pentagon said. “Work is expected to be completed May 30, 2018.”

The Pentagon said L-M would supply 12 F-16 C and six F-16 D models to Baghdad. The contract also included support equipment, technical orders, integrated logistics support and contractor logistics support.

Officials said the first F-16 would not arrive in Iraq before 2015. They said the United States was training the first group of Iraq Air Force pilots to fly the aircraft.

Iraq plans to acquire 36 F-16s over the next decade in a project
estimated at more than $3 billion. Officials said the administration of President Barack Obama has already approved the sale of advanced munitions for Iraq’s F-16 fleet.

On Dec. 7, the Saudi-owned Al Hayat daily said an agreement in principle has been reached for continued U.S. military deployment in Iraq. Al Hayat said Baghdad agreed to 3,000 U.S. military personnel, most of whom would be
assigned to protect Iraq’s air space.

  Baghdad, Defense Department, F-16C, F-16D, Iraq to acquire 36 U.S. F-16s over next decade, Lockheed Martin, Pentagon