First and second flight for Iraqi F-16D with tail number IAF1601 yesterday, may 2. It flew around as Rocket 41 on its second flight from NAS Fort Worth.
I wonder if it is wise for the US Government to deliver these modern fighters to Iraq? Knowing the region is like a warzone. Probably within the next ten years these planes fall in the hand of the "enemy". Or better said Taliban / Al Quida .
Monday, January 27th, 2014 | Posted by WorldTribune.com
Iraq trains flight crews for U.S. F-16s, expected to arrive in June
Special to WorldTribune.com
LONDON — Iraq is preparing for the arrival of advanced U.S. fighter-jets.
Officials said the Iraqi Defense Ministry and Air Force have been arranging for the first delivery of the F-16 multi-role fighter by the United States.
U.S. F-16 multi-role fighter
They said the first batch of F-16 Block 52 aircraft is expected to arrive in June 2014.
“The first batch will consist of four F-16s, and they will be fully-equipped,” an official said.
Officials said Iraq would receive a total of 36 F-16s. They said the administration of President Barack Obama, in cooperation with manufacturer Lockheed Martin, has pledged an accelerated delivery schedule.
“Iraqi crews are being trained on the F-16s in the United States and this will continue in Iraq,” the official said.
Officials said the F-16s would be operated for air space defense and border security missions.
The first of 36 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 52 Fighting Falcon multirole combat aircraft for the Iraqi Air Force (IqAF) making its maiden flight out of Fort Worth in Texas.
Deliveries to Iraq are due to commence shortly. Source: Lockheed Martin
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In my opinion, that´s far more dangerous./reeve.gif)
