Iraq diverts F-16 budget for food rations to feed the poor

With an eye on protests partially inspired by recent uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, Iraq has postponed the planned purchase of 18 F-16 fighter planes from the United States and diverted the funds to feeding the poor. Iraq has been offered Block 52 versions of the F-16 in a US$3 billion package.

US announces F-16 sale to Iraq, then retracts statement

The United States military in Iraq issued and quickly retracted a statement on Tuesday that Iraq had agreed to purchase 18 F-16 fighters, stating that "Approval of the sale has NOT/NOT occurred" and that any approval will be made by Iraq's government. The retracted news release, however mentioned a 2013 delivery date, and that Iraqi pilots were already training in the United States.

France offers Iraq Mirage 18 F1s

A day after the Iraqi government approved the acquisition of 18 F-16s, France has reportedly offered Iraq 18 Dassault Mirage F1 fighters. The previous Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein operated a large of Mirage F1s during the 1980s and 1990s.

Iraqi government approves F-16 purchase

The Iraqi government has approved a plan to purchase 18 F-16s from the United States. A earlier US Defense Security and Cooperation Agency news release indicated that Iraq has been offered the F-16IQ version of the F-16, along with weapons and other support in a US$4.2 billion package

More Mi-171E helicopters join Iraqi inventory

Bringing their total inventory of helicopters to 30, the Iraq Army Aviation Command has accepted delivery of four new Mi-171E helicopters. The delivery was part of an ongoing deal coordinated with the help of U.S. Forces-Iraq’s Iraq Security Assistance Mission.

Iraq receives last pair of eight Mi-171s ordered from Russia

Iraq has received the last two in an order of eight Russian-made Mil Mi-171E multi-purpose helicopters ordered from Russia. The two helicopters were delivered to the Iraqi army's base at Taji via Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, where they underwent an avionics and weapons control system upgrade.

Iraq offered F-16s for US$4.2 billion

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on September 13 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq of 18 F-16IQ aircraft as well as associated equipment and services. The package includes AIM-9L/M Sidewinders, AIM-7 sparrows and AN/APG-68(v)9 radars.