Iraqi Air Force seeks to include Rafale fighter jets to its fleet
French Navy Rafale fighter jets onboard the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. Photo: Reuters
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The spokesperson of the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, Yahya Rasoul, confirmed on Tuesday that the Iraqi Air Force is seeking to include Rafale fighter jets in the Iraqi fleet, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported.
“The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, directed to complete the building of the capabilities of the Iraqi armed forces, including the Air Force. Therefore, Iraq is open to many countries, including France,” Rasoul told INA.
The Iraqi military official clarified that France is one of the developed countries in military industries, including the air force, noting that there is military cooperation between Iraq and France in many fields, particularly in terms of air defense systems.
Rasoul elaborated that the Iraqi Air Force is looking forward to developing its fleet to include modern multi-purpose aircraft such as the Rafale, which is one of the advanced aircraft that have high capabilities.
The Iraqi official highlighted the importance of training and exercises conducted by the Iraqi Air Force with many countries, including NATO countries and France, to increase its expertise.
The Iraqi military official added that military exercises will take place where Iraqi F-16 fighter jets and Rafale fighter jets will participate to experience the capabilities of both aircraft.
The Dassault Rafale is a French multirole fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation.
Equipped with a wide range of weapons, the Rafale is intended to perform air supremacy, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike and nuclear deterrence missions.