Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States has approved the sale of the first subsystems for 18
F-16 Block 52+ multi-role fighters for the Iraq Air Force.

The Defense Department has awarded a contract to Northrop Grumman for an advanced fire
control radar for Iraq’s F-16 fleet.

The Washington-based Defense Industry Daily said the F-16 Block 52 for Iraq appeared less capable than the aircraft sold to NATO allies. The Iraqi request for the first batch of F-16s in 2010 did not include the Joint Direct Attack Munition.

“The net effect seems cleverly calibrated to give Iraq an air defense
force that can handle aging threats from Syria or Iran relatively well, and perform strike missions within Iraq, without being a serious threat to more advanced air forces in the region,” Defense Industry Daily said. “Regional memories among its Arab neighbors, as well as Israeli concerns, make that a smart starting point. Upgrades can always take place later, and the F-16IQs
have at least some of the equipment required to handle more advanced weapons.”

“Work will be performed in Linthicum Heights, Md., and is expected to be
complete by March 2015,” the Pentagon said.

In a statement on March 14, the Pentagon said the $87.8 million
contract to Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems would include 22
AN/APG-68[V]9 radars for the Iraq Air Force. The AN/APG-68[V]9 has been
regarded as the standard radar for new F-16 and contained a 33 percent
increase in air-to-air detection range.

The Pentagon contract also called for 15 radars for the Royal Air Force
of Oman, which ordered 12 F-16s. The AN/APG-68[V]9 was said to be lighter,
with up to a 45 percent reduction in support costs.

  $87.8 million contract, Joint Direct Attack Munition, Limited Iraq F-16 fleet to be capable against ‘threats from Syria or Iran’, Northrup Grumman Electronic Systems, Royal Air Force of Oman, U.S. Defense Department