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Iraq makes first payment for 18 F-16s
Posted 9/28/2011 Email story Print story
by Cherly Pellerin
American Forces Press Service
9/28/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Iraqi government has transferred its first payment for 18 F-16C Fighting Falcons,
bringing Iraq closer to independently securing its airspace, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Sept 27.
"These aircraft will help provide air sovereignty for Iraq to protect its own territory and deter or counter regional threats," Little said.
The fighter aircraft, he said, "are also a symbol of the commitment to a long-term strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq."
The fighters are the block 50/52 variant of the aircraft -- the current production version of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The sale is valued at about $3 billion, Little said.
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