Iraq has signed a $118-million contract with Vectrus Systems to support its F-16 fighter jets.
The deal, under the US foreign military sales program, covers base operations, life support, and related services.
An initial payment of $57.8 million was made at the contract signing, fully funded by the Iraqi government.
The work, carried out at Martyr BG Ali Flaih Air Base in southern Iraq, is scheduled for completion by November 2026.
Iraq’s F-16s
Shafaq News Agency reported that the Iraqi Air Force operates 34 Lockheed Martin-made F-16C/D fighter jets, relying on American contractors for maintenance and logistics support.
Since 2020, following the withdrawal of US personnel amid tensions between Baghdad and Washington, the number of mission-ready F-16s has declined from 20 to five.
Iraq placed orders for 36 F-16 Block 52+ aircraft through two foreign military sales contracts between 2014 and 2017, with two jets lost in training accidents in the US.
Regional Tensions
Iraq occupies a strategic position in the Middle East, maintaining ties with the US while remaining exposed to broader regional tensions, including those between Washington and Tehran.
Last month, shortly before a ceasefire ended the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in which the US became directly involved, unidentified drones targeted radar systems at two military sites, one in Baghdad and another in southern Iraq.
While the Iraqi government announced an investigation into the incidents, no group or country has been officially held responsible so far.
