LONDON — The Iraq Air Force has increased its level of operations and is conducting surveillance around the
country.
The British Defence Ministry said the Iraq Air Force has focused
operations in central and southern Iraq with help from British personnel.
The ministry said one squadron alone flies four to six sorties per day, "a
demanding schedule for air crew and ground staff."
"The thing that impresses me most is the motivation and the
determination of ground crew and air crew," British Royal Air Force Group
Captain Mike Neville said. "These guys are going to re-generate the Iraqi
Air Force, which is an exciting undertaking and a massive responsibility."
On Nov. 30, the British Defence Ministry issued a report that focused on
the Iraq Air Force's Squadron 70, operational since 2004. The squadron, one
of five in the air force, covers an area south of Baghdad and operates out
of Basra, Middle East Newsline reported.
"The [70] squadron possess six light aircraft, comprising two Seekers
and four Sama CH-2000s which can cruise at about 80 knots," the British
report said. "The aircraft fly four to six sorties per day, which is a
demanding schedule for air crew and ground staff."
The Seekers and Sama, some of them produced in Jordan, have a range of
300 nautical miles and endurance of four hours. The report said the aircraft
contains a range of unidentified photographic equipment.
The United States has also been training and equipping the Iraq Air
Force. The service has also been provided with U.S. intelligence specialists
and maintenance supervisors.
The British report said one Iraqi aircraft has come under ground fire
from suspected insurgents. The report said the small platforms represent
difficult targets.
