WASHINGTON (Web Desk) – Iraq will receive the first batch of American F-16 jets this summer to intensify its fight against Islamic State.
The Iraqis purchased 18 in 2011 for $3 billion, and another 18 for $830 million two years later, for a total of 36 aircraft.
To date, there have been numerous delays in getting the F-16s to Iraq, mostly because of the deteriorating security situation there, Pentagon spokesman Col. Steve Warren told reporters on Friday. “We remain committed to fulfilling the delivery of those aircraft,” he added.
He said there are 36 Iraqi pilots in the U.S. Air Force training “pipeline,” with 30 at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, and the other six at language school. “These will be the first pilots to use Iraq’s F-16s in the fight against ISIL,” said Warren, adding that the first batch of jets delivered this summer will number “less than 10.”
