Iraq has made the initial payments for 18 Lockheed Martin F-16C fighters, the first step in rebuilding that country’s fast jet combat capability after almost a decade of war.
The aircraft will be Block 50/52 variants, and the sale is valued at about US$3 billion.
“These aircraft will help provide air sovereignty for Iraq to protect its own territory, and deter or counter regional threats,” Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a statement.
