Iraq Purchase 18 U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon Aircraft

Iraq’s potential purchase of 18 U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft is an encouraging development that benefits both nations, the senior U.S. Air Force component commander in Iraq told Pentagon reporters today. “I do not have any word yet that a letter of offer and acceptance is signed, but as you probably know, we did have a senior member of the Iraqi government visit Washington,” said Air Force Maj. Gen. Russell J. Handy, commander, 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq, and director, Air Component Coordination Element-Iraq. “There was some great work done on that. Everyone that I talk to at every level of government in Iraq is convinced that that is the right approach for them,” Handy said. “And so we’re very encouraged by those words, and we feel that we’re very close to them signing that letter of offer and acceptance.” Handy said the Iraqis could potentially buy more F-16 aircraft if, and when, they sign a letter of offer and acceptance. “They are seeking to buy a larger number of F-16s than they had originally -- up to 36,” he said. “This first letter of offer and acceptance is for 18 of them … we hope to hear very soon that’s signed but no final word yet on that.” Handy noted things remain very promising but challenging in Iraq with Iraqis “on a path to be able to stand alone as a stable, self-reliant and unified nation.”