Iraq, France review military cooperation
A Rafale fighter jet. Photo: AFP
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, said on Tuesday that Iraq is open to effective partnerships with French companies, particularly in terms of bolstering the armed forces’ defensive capabilities.
Al-Sudani’s remarks took place during his meeting with the French Ambassador to Iraq, Eric Chevalier, where they discussed strategies to promote the bilateral ties between the two countries, according to a press statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The two parties discussed modernizing military technology, notably a contract that was signed with the French company Thales.
During a visit of the Iraqi Minister of Defense, Thabet Al-Abbasi, to France earlier in March, the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sebastien Lecornu, expressed France’s eagerness to cooperate in supporting Iraq after the completion of the international coalition’s mission.
The two sides agreed on supporting Iraq’s sovereignty by securing its airspace using the latest technologies and equipment.
Last July, Lecornu and Al-Abbasi reviewed the discussions Baghdad was holding with Thales Group regarding the GM400 radar.
In January 2023, during a visit to Paris, the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, met with representatives of Thales Group, Dassault Group, and Airbus to discuss the possible supply of radars, Rafale aircraft, and military helicopters to Baghdad.
The Iraqi and French air forces conducted joint exercises in Iraq last May, in which Rafale aircraft took part.