Despite ISIL advance, U.S. still weighs F-16 commitment to Iraq

Despite ISIL advance, U.S. still weighs F-16 commitment to Iraq

Special to WorldTribune.com Geostrategy-Direct.com WASHINGTON — The administration of President Barack Obama is still planning delivery of the first F-16 multi-role fighters to Iraq. Officials said after months of delay the Defense Department and other agencies were examining the feasibility of sending the first of 36 F-16 Block 52+ aircraft to Iraq. They said the […]

U.S. delivers first new F-16 to Iran satellite, Iraq

U.S. delivers first new F-16 to Iran satellite, Iraq

Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States has delivered the first F-16 multi-role fighter to Iraq. On June 5, Lockheed Martin delivered the first of 36 F-16 Block 52 aircraft to the Iraq Air Force. In a ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, L-M said the F-16 was configured to meet the requirements of Iraq’s […]

Iraq trains flight crews for U.S. F-16s, expected to arrive in June

Iraq trains flight crews for U.S. F-16s, expected to arrive in June

Special to WorldTribune.com LONDON — Iraq is preparing for the arrival of advanced U.S. fighter-jets. Officials said the Iraqi Defense Ministry and Air Force have been arranging for the first delivery of the F-16 multi-role fighter by the United States. They said the first batch of F-16 Block 52 aircraft is expected to arrive in […]

Turkey impatient with F-35 delays, may opt for new F-16s

Turkey impatient with F-35 delays, may opt for new F-16s

Special to WorldTribune.com ANKARA — Turkey, frustrated over delays, has been examining an alternative to the U.S.-origin Joint Strike Fighter. Officials and defense industry sources said the Turkish Air Force and the government’s Defense Industry Undersecretariat have begun to consider an interim solution to JSF, a $1 trillion program plagued by production and development delays […]

Obama expedites delivery of F-16s to Morsi’s Egypt

Obama expedites delivery of F-16s to Morsi’s Egypt

Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — The United States, despite opposition from Congress, has begun sending F-16 multi-role fighters as well as main battle tanks to Egypt. A senior U.S. official said the administration of President Barack Obama has ordered the Defense Department to begin sending the first of 20 F-16 Block 52+ aircraft on Jan. […]

U.S. pushes F-16 project for Egypt despite Muslim Brotherhood purge of military

U.S. pushes F-16 project for Egypt despite Muslim Brotherhood purge of military

Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States, in wake of the dismissal of Egypt’s military command, has advanced the F-16 multi-role fighter for the Arab state. The Defense Department has awarded a major contract to facilitate the procurement of F-16s by the Egyptian Air Force. The Pentagon selected American International Contractors for a $66.6 […]

U.S. warned Iraq will use new F-16s against Kurdistan

U.S. warned Iraq will use new F-16s against Kurdistan

Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — Kurdistan has urged the United States to halt its F-16 multi-role fighter project with Iraq. Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) President Massoud Barzani warned that Iraq would use the F-16s against the autonomous region of Kurdistan. Barzani said Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki has already raised the prospect that Baghdad […]

U.S. military aid to Egypt back on track with shipment of F-16s

U.S. military aid to Egypt back on track with shipment of F-16s

Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States is preparing for the completion of F-16 multi-role fighters for Egypt. Officials said prime contractor Lockheed Martin was advancing in its project to assemble 20 F-16 Block 52 aircraft for Egypt. They said the first of the advanced aircraft would be assembled in April. “The contract would […]

Iraqi Air Force pilots learning to fly F-16s in Tucson

Iraqi Air Force pilots learning to fly F-16s in Tucson

Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States, after its military withdrawal, has been quietly preparing the Iraq Air Force to operate its forthcoming fleet of F-16 multi-role fighters. Officials said the U.S. Air Force was training Iraqi military pilots in Tucson, Ariz. in cooperation with the Air National Guard’s 162nd Fighter Wing. The pilots […]