Baghdad: Iraq has signed a significant contract valued at $118 million with the United States to bolster its fleet of F-16 aircraft. The US Department of Defense confirmed the agreement with Victory Systems to provide operational support for Iraq’s 34 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Fighting Falcon multi-role fighter aircraft.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry revealed that this agreement falls under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and was initiated through a direct request and funding from the Iraqi government. The contract ensures that Victory Systems will offer its services at the Martyr Ali Fleih Air Base in Iraq, with operations slated to continue until the end of November 2026.

The Ministry further stated that an initial payment of $57.8 million was made upon signing the agreement, cementing the collaboration between Iraq and the United States in enhancing Iraq’s air defense capabilities.