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(Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency; dated Sept. 15, web-posted Sept. 23, 2010)
The first batch of F-16IQ Block 52 fighters for Iraq, similar to this Polish aircraft, could be followed by several more, for a total of over 100 aircraft. (Polish MoD photo)WASHINGTON
--- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on September 13 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq of 18 F-16IQ Aircraft as well as associated equipment and services.
The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $4.2 billion.
The Government of Iraq has requested a possible sale of:
--18 F-16IQ aircraft,
--24 F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 Increased Performance Engines,
--36 LAU-129/A Common Rail Launchers,
--24 APG-68(V)9 radar sets,
--19 M61 20mm Vulcan Cannons,
--200 AIM-9L/M-8/9 Sidewinder Missiles,
--150 AIM-7M-F1/H SPARROW Missiles,
--50 AGM-65D/G/H/K MAVERICK Air to Ground Missiles,
--200 GBU-12 PAVEWAY II Laser Guided Bomb Units (500 pound),
--50 GBU-10 PAVEWAY II Laser Guided Bomb Units (2000 pound),
--50 GBU-24 PAVEWAY III Laser Guided Bomb Units (2000 pound),
--22 Advanced Countermeasures Electronic Systems (ACES) (ACES includes the ALQ-187 Electronic Warfare System and AN/ALR-93 Radar Warning Receiver),
--20 AN/APX-113 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Systems (without Mode IV),
--20 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), (Standard Positioning Service (SPS) commercial code only),
--20 AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER or AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Targeting Pods,
--4 F-9120 Advanced Airborne Reconnaissance Systems (AARS) or DB-110 Reconnaissance Pods (RECCE),
--22 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing Systems (CMDS);
--20 Conformal Fuel Tanks (pairs).
Also included: site survey, support equipment, tanker support, ferry services, Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD), repair and return,
modification kits, spares and repair parts, construction, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment,
U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, ground based flight simulator, and other related elements of logistics support.
The estimated cost is $4.2 billion.
The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the capability of Iraq.
The proposed sale will allow the Iraqi Air Force to modernize its air force by acquiring western interoperable fighter aircraft, thereby enabling Iraq to support both its own air defense needs and coalition operations. The country will have no difficulty absorbing this new capability into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be:
-- BAE Advanced Systems Greenlawn, New York
-- Boeing Corporation Seattle, Washington
-- Boeing Integrated Defense Systems St Louis, Missouri (three locations: Long Beach, California, San Diego, California)
-- Raytheon Company Lexington, Massachusetts (two locations) Goleta, California
-- Raytheon Missile Systems Tucson, Arizona
-- Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Fort Worth, Texas
-- Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control Dallas, Texas
-- Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training And Support Fort Worth, Texas
-- Northrop-Grumman Electro-Optical Systems Garland, Texas
-- Northrop-Grumman Electronic Systems Baltimore, Maryland
-- Pratt & Whitney United Technology Company East Hartford, Connecticut
-- General Electric Aircraft Engines Cincinnati, Ohio
-- Goodrich ISR Systems Danbury, Connecticut
-- L3 Communications Arlington, Texas
-- ITT Defense Electronics and Services McLean, Virginia
-- Symetrics Industries Melbourne, Florida
There are no known offset agreements in connection with this proposed sale.
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.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: It is worth noting that the U.S. will only supply Iraq with commercial code GPS equipment, thereby demonstrating that it does not trust Iraq’s armed forces to keep military coded equipment under control.
The following story identifies the F-16IQs mentioned in the above notification as new-build F-16 Block 52 aircraft.) (ends)
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Iraqi Pilots to Begin F-16 Prerequisite Pilot Training
(Source: United States Forces - Iraq; issued Aug. 2, 2010)
The Government of Iraq has signed an agreement with the U.S. for 10 Iraqi Air Force pilots to begin prerequisite F-16 training.
This agreement follows the request submitted by the GoI to purchase 18 new Block 52 F-16 airplanes.
If this foreign military sale is approved by the U.S. Congress and the two governments can reach agreement on the terms of the deal, the F-16 program would not only significantly enhance Iraq’s air sovereignty capability, but can also enable a long-term partnership between the two countries.
“It has been a pleasure to work with our Iraqi partners to put this program together,” said Brig. Gen. Scott Jansson, director of the Iraq Security Assistance Mission. “Through this and other security cooperation programs, we have developed a strong environment of mutual trust and friendship.”
The pilot training agreement covers the training of 10 selected Iraqi Air Force pilots who are projected to begin training in the U.S. this fall and will be the cadre for future training.
Upon graduation, these pilots will have completed all prerequisite flight training necessary to move immediately into F-16 flying training.
The program will include all necessary components of T-6A Texan II and T-38 Talon training including a course called Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals.
The intensive flight training will be complemented with specialized English language training for aviation.
The training for each student will last from 12 to 17 months depending on the pilot’s level of experience.
“This agreement is the most significant commitment to date by the Ministry of Defense for an F-16 program that will prove to be a key element for an enduring partnership between Iraq and the United States,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, USF-I Deputy Commanding General for Advising and Training.
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