Iraqi Air Force

The Iraqi Air Force is a rebuilding entity, one with considerable limitations but also with an evolving capacity for aerial defense and ground support. Historically weakened by decades of sanctions, conflict, and political instability, the air force has not yet achieved the operational sophistication and capability found in more advanced global powers. Its fleet mainly consists of a mixture of older platforms like the Su-25, along with more modern, Western aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the latter being part of an effort to modernize and standardize equipment.

Training and maintenance have been continual challenges, partly due to reliance on foreign expertise and parts. In recent years, the United States and other Western allies have been instrumental in this area, providing not only hardware but also training and logistical support. This has led to dependency on external aid, both in terms of material and know-how, making the Iraqi Air Force vulnerable to geopolitical shifts.

While the air force has made strides in counter-terrorism operations and has played a role in combating ISIS, its abilities for long-range missions and complex air-to-air combat are limited. It doesn't yet have a fully integrated, multi-layered air defense system, leaving it susceptible to more advanced aerial adversaries. Moreover, corruption and political interference have affected the force’s operational efficacy, often leading to sub-optimal allocation of resources.

Currently, the Iraqi Air Force is in a state of flux, torn between its legacy issues and the imperatives of modern warfare. It has neither the robust, multifaceted capabilities of a fully modern force nor the widespread vulnerabilities of a completely outdated one. Its current state is a transitional one, with its future trajectory hinging on various uncertain factors including political stability in Iraq, ongoing foreign assistance, and regional geopolitics.

Key facts

Number of active aircrafts by type