Iraq Seeks to Buy 36 F-16s from US

Iraq Seeks to Buy 36 F-16s from US (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - September 6, 2008: Iraq's government wants to buy 36 advanced F-16 fighters from the U.S., the Wall Street Journal reported Sept. 5, citing U.S. military officials. Such a purchase would help reduce Baghdad's reliance on U.S. air power and possibly clear the way for the withdrawal of more U.S. troops, the paper said. U.S. officials have previously maintained that the U.S. would have to keep fighter aircraft and helicopters in Iraq even after American combat troops leave. But even if the deal was approved, countries in the region would likely be concerned with Baghdad's fledgling government having control of such sophisticated arms, the paper added. Iraq has said it plans to buy about $10 billion of U.S. military hardware, including tanks and armored vehicles and transport aircraft. The report of more possible arms deals come as Iraqi and U.S. officials negotiate a sensitive security agreement governing the long-term withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country.