The initial batch of Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft for the Iraqi Air Force (IqAF) will remain in the United States until the security situation in Iraq improves, the US Department of Defense (DoD) disclosed on 10 November. Iraq has ordered 36 F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft in all, the first of which were due to be delivered to Balad Airbase earlier this year. However, the deteriorating security situation on the ground meant that the DoD had to evacuate its contractors at the base, and postpone handing over the jets.Full article
Right a United States Air Force F-16.
Public Domain image.
Looking at the situation in Iraq the defenders are holding out while Isis resupplies and regroups. Once Isis resumes its offensive they will gain control of the remaining areas under Iraqi government control chiefly Baghdad.
The Department of Defense decision was dictated by the circumstances that have unfolded that is the rise of Isis in Iraq. Also worth noting is how Isis has already captured a variety of US manufactured equipment in Iraq adding F-16s to the mix would have only given Isis and other countries like Russia and China a chance to go over the aircraft tooth and comb an intel gathering bonanza.
I believe that the fact no indicators exist that the Iraqi F-16's will in the future be deployed alongside other coalition air forces like the RAAF who are conducting air strikes against Isis is a sign that US military and political leaders have written off Iraq behind closed doors. If Iraq hasn't already been written off than why isn't gradually increasing the Iraqi air force roles in combat Isis even if it is from a neighboring country being made a priority?
Events in Iraq will take time to play out so the aircraft may gather dust so to speak while they remain in the USA. After Isis completes its take over of Iraq a new buyer will have to be found for the F-16s. This raises the most interesting question concerning who will the eventual buyer of the F-16s will be?
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