- BIST10011,585-1.16%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,183.60+0.06%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,537+0.64%
- October 19, 202617°
- BIST10011,585-1.16%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,183.60+0.06%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,537+0.64%
- October 19, 202617°
Iraq continues air operations without coalition support
Iraq Air Force Commander Khalid al-Tamimi said Monday that coalition forces had not conducted missions inside Iraq since the beginning of 2026. Tamimi said Iraq’s air operations were continuing independently and that the coalition’s mission in Iraq was scheduled to end on September 30.
Iraq Air Force Commander Khalid al-Tamimi said Monday that his country was conducting air operations without direct support from the international coalition. Tamimi said coalition forces had not carried out any missions on Iraqi territory since the beginning of 2026.
Tamimi said the coalition’s mission in Iraq was scheduled to end on September 30, adding that Iraq was carrying out all of the air force’s current missions.
Iraqi teams take over F-16 maintenance
Tamimi said maintenance on Iraq’s F-16 fighter jets was being carried out entirely by Iraqi personnel, while Pratt & Whitney, a U.S.-based aerospace manufacturer, was providing support during some stages of engine repairs. He added that Iraqi teams were handling part of the repair work in Iraq.
Tamimi announced that negotiations to purchase Rafale fighter jets were progressing and that the first package included 14 aircraft. He did not provide information about the party with which the talks were being held.
Exercise in France postponed because of war
Tamimi said Rafale aircraft stationed in Jordan conduct exercises with the Iraqi Air Force every month, adding that an exercise scheduled to take place in France this year had been postponed because of the ongoing war in the region.
Tamimi said Iraq’s air defense system had radar coverage across the country, adding that pilots and fighter jets equipped with air-to-air missiles were kept ready for duty every day. He said the Iraqi Air Force conducted daily aerial surveillance and that the resulting reports were sent through the army chief of staff to the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Separate command proposed for unmanned aerial vehicles
Tamimi said work to develop domestic production capacity was continuing and that the establishment of an independent command for unmanned aerial vehicles had been proposed. He said efforts in this area were still at an early stage.
Tamimi said dormant cells remained in remote and rugged areas, adding that public vigilance and the capabilities of Iraqi forces had kept the current threat at a very limited level.
58,822 missions against ISIS
Tamimi said the Iraqi Air Force had carried out 58,822 missions during the fight against ISIS. He said the missions included transport, reconnaissance, various operations, support for ground forces and strikes against the group’s positions.
Tamimi also said an Antonov-type transport aircraft had been taken out of service after being hit by a missile at a base in Baghdad. He did not provide information about when the incident occurred or who was responsible for the attack.
Baghdad-Washington agreement
Baghdad and Washington agreed in September 2024 to end the U.S.-led international coalition’s military mission in Iraq and transition to bilateral security partnerships. The partnerships were intended to support Iraqi forces and maintain pressure on ISIS to prevent the group from regaining strength.
The U.S.-led coalition was established in September 2014 to fight ISIS and supported Iraqi forces in operations against the group. After ISIS’s territorial control in Iraq ended in 2017, the coalition’s role became largely limited to advising, assisting and strengthening the capabilities of Iraq’s security forces.
Stay Updated with Hilal Times
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
