This marked the first Iraqi request for U.S. fighter-jets, announced on
Sept. 15. The Iraq Air Force has not operated fighter-jets since the fall of
the regime of President Saddam Hussein in 2003.
Officials said Congress was notified of the Iraqi request on Sept. 13.
They said Congress, with 30 days to review the proposal, was expected to
approve the sale.
The Pentagon agency said Iraq requested advanced air-to-air and
air-to-ground munitions. This included the AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air
missile, the GBU-12 Paveway as well as the Sniper or Litening targeting
pods.
Officials said Iraq also sought conformal fuel tanks for the new F-16
fleet. They said Iraq would require more than a decade of training and other
preparations for full operations of the F-16.
"Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to
Iraq involving U.S. government and contractor representatives for technical
reviews/support, program management, and training over a period of 15
years," DSCA said.
Officials said the F-16s requested by Iraq were actually the Block 52+,
the most advanced model offered to U.S. allies and manufactured by Lockheed
Martin. They said the F-16 deal would ensure a U.S. military presence in
Iraq for years to come.
"The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national
security objectives of the United States by enhancing the capability of
Iraq," DSCA said. "The proposed aircraft and accompanying weapon systems
will greatly enhance Iraq's interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO
nations, making it a more valuable partner in an important area of the
world, as well as supporting Iraq’s legitimate need for its own
self-defense."
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