Iraq says to receive F-16 fighters next July

BAGHDAD, April 22 (KUNA) -- The Iraqi Air Force said on Wednesday that it will receive the first batch of F-16 fighter planes on July 12, this year.
A statement by the Iraqi Defense Ministry quoted the Commander of the Air Force General Anwar Hamad Amin, as saying that the first batch of F-16 aircrafts will arrive in Iraq with a number of trainee pilots who have completed their training in the United States.
The ministry did not disclose the number of aircrafts that will be arriving but only mentioned that the number will be sufficient, confirming at the same time the arrival of the aircrafts' spare parts.
The official pointed out that the Air Force played an active and significant role in protecting Iraq and the hunt for terrorist gangs through its duties in various military operations.
In the past, Iraq purchased 36 aircrafts of this model which have not yet been delivered, an issue that came up during the Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi's discussions with US President Barack Obama during his recent visit to Washington. (end) ahh.mb