Iraq offered new F-16s with older missiles

[ErnstBlofeld]

Flight Global/Stephen Trimble:

Iraq could receive 18 Lockheed Martin F-16s worth up to $4.2 billion and equipped with previous generation missiles and radar, according to the US government.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency defined the configuration of an F-16IQ cleared for export to Iraq in a news release posted on 24 September.

DSCA says that Iraq has a asked for a "possible sale" of F-16s, although a final decision has not been made.

The US government is offering Iraq a model of the F-16 that would not include latest-generation missiles, such as the Raytheon AIM-120D AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder, nor active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.

Instead, Iraq would be offered the AIM-9L/M-8/9 Sidewinder short-range missile, Raytheon AIM-7M-F1/H Sparrow medium-range missile and the Raytheon AGM-65D/G/H/K Maverick air to ground missile.

The US also would allow Northrop Grumman to supply the mechanically-scanned APG-68(V)9 radar.

The F-16s also would come with an array of electronic warfare, reconnaissance and targeting systems. The jets also could be powered by either Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 or General Electric F110-GE-129 engines.

Lockheed has been working to sell more F-16s to keep the fighter in production long enough to win a possible order by India for up to 126 fighters. The F-16 is one six fighters in contention for the Indian contract.

In August, Oman also requested a possible sale of 18 Lockheed F-16 Block 50/52s in a deal worth up to $3.5 billion.

[ErnstBlofeld]

Iraq should not be receiving military technology that can be used against us.