Baghdad:Iraqi Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Pilot Khalid Al-Tamimi affirmed that all missions conducted by the Iraqi Air Force within Iraqi territory are independent of the international coalition forces. He emphasized the Air Force’s ongoing efforts to develop its capabilities and maintain its air system, highlighting that the maintenance of F-16 aircraft is performed entirely by Iraqi personnel.
According to the Iraqi News Agency, Al-Tamimi stated that the Iraqi Air Force was established on April 22, 1931, and has undergone various developments in armament based on Iraq’s political relations with other countries. After 2003, the Air Force’s activities ceased temporarily before being rebuilt, with the reopening of the Martyr Mohammed Alaa Air Base, formerly Al-Muthanna Air Base.
Al-Tamimi detailed that Iraq has procured modern aircraft, including F-16s from the United States, T-50s, L-159s, and Sukhoi aircraft from Russia. During the conflict against ISIS, the Air Force expanded, opening new air b
ases and utilizing advanced reconnaissance aircraft to monitor Iraqi skies. From that period, the Air Force completed 58,822 missions, covering transport, reconnaissance, and other operations.
The Air Force played a crucial role in the war against ISIS, destroying numerous targets and supporting ground forces. The combined efforts of the Air Force, Air Defense, and Army Aviation operate in a coordinated manner to ensure security.
Al-Tamimi stressed that since 2026, no coalition forces have conducted missions within Iraqi territory. The Iraqi Air Force employs advanced aircraft such as F-16s and T-50s, alongside reconnaissance drones, without any coalition-affiliated experts being involved.
He clarified the distinction between coalition forces and technical service companies present in Iraq, which operate on a fee basis. Al-Tamimi also confirmed that all maintenance on F-16s is conducted by Iraqis, although some engine repairs are performed by Pratt and Whitney, a global company.
The Air Force aims to expa
nd its capabilities, conducting daily aerial surveillance and maintaining a balanced arsenal. Minor security breaches are controlled swiftly, and the threat from sleeper cells and terrorism is considered limited due to vigilant citizens and available tools.
Negotiations are underway to acquire advanced aircraft like the Rafale, with training for pilots taking up to five years. Local manufacturing of drones is also being explored, and internal missions are conducted without needing coordination with neighboring countries, except for certain transport missions.
A significant international exercise was conducted at Balad Air Base in 2025, involving several countries, although a planned exercise in France was postponed due to regional conflict. The Air Force is negotiating an initial batch of 14 Rafale aircraft, which are highly sophisticated and costly.
Al-Tamimi explained that the integrated air defense system involves detecting hostile targets and responding appropriately. The recent shelling incident in Ba
ghdad resulted in the loss of an Antonov aircraft, which was deemed too costly to repair.
The Air Force continues to develop pilots’ skills through training and expertise exchanges, supported by a fully equipped Air Force College with F-16-trained instructors.