US to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Iraq

 

(IraqiNews.com) on Tuesday, the US Department of Defense ‘Pentagon’ announced that Iraqi F-16 fighter jets will be sent to an air base in Arizona to train the Iraqi pilots. The jets were scheduled to be delivered to Iraq earlier this year but were delayed due to security concerns.

The ministry said in a statement reported by Reuters and followed by IraqiNews.com, “The Iraqi fighter jets F-16 will be sent to an air base in Arizona to train the Iraqi pilots in order to maintain their skills,” indicating that the first three F-16 fighter jets will be delivered in December. Additional F-16 fighter aircrafts will be sent every month until May.

The Pentagon added, “The Iraqi pilots will start flying with the Iraqi F16 fighter aircrafts at the International airport of Tucson, located in the state of Arizona, in December,” pointing out that the US officials decided to allow the Iraqi pilots to use these fighters  to help them maintain their skills after the training.