International report: Iraq prefers Pakistani aircraft to the American F-16

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[size=52]International report: Iraq prefers Pakistani aircraft to the American F-16[/size]

[size=45]Translated by: Hamed Ahmed[/size]
[size=45]It was reported that Baghdad and Islamabad, after two years of diplomatic consultations and talks, had reached a deal to purchase 12 Pakistani combat aircraft (GF-17C), to be included in the Iraqi Air Force fleet, in addition to spare parts and ammunition, in order to strengthen the air force after the decline of aircraft ( The American F-16, which is in need of costly maintenance and maintenance services.[/size]
[size=45]It is noteworthy that the agreement was reached during the recent visit of Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, to Baghdad.[/size]
[size=45]It is expected that the deal, valued at around $1.1 billion, will be the largest arms deal in Pakistan's history, and that Iraq will be the fifth country to join the list of countries that have signed deals to buy (GF-17) combat aircraft from Pakistan.[/size]
[size=45]It is noteworthy that the fighter aircraft (GF-17) is the product of a joint Pakistani-Chinese industrial project, as 42% of its parts are manufactured in China and 58% of its other parts are manufactured in Pakistan. The modern style of this aircraft has attracted the interest of many countries that want to enhance Its defense capabilities, including Iraq, Malaysia, Nigeria, Myanmar, and Argentina, due to its relatively low costs, as well as its effective performance. As the aircraft is powered by a Russian-designed RD-33 engine, it can achieve a maximum speed of 2,000 km per hour and an altitude of 17,000 metres. It is also designed to be equipped with advanced equipment such as the effective electronic (AESA) radar and an advanced navigation system to locate the target. The IRST attack and air-to-air refueling system.[/size]
[size=45]The Iraqi authorities had expressed efforts to include French (Rafale) fighters in their air fleet, and the spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Major General Yahya Rasool, indicated in his statements on May 23, 2023 that Iraq is open to many countries to obtain modern military equipment, including France, pointing out To the Iraqi Air Force fleet seeking to include modern multi-purpose aircraft in its ranks, such as the French (Rafale) aircraft, which are among the advanced aircraft with capabilities in response, support and tactical strikes.[/size]
[size=45]A report by the Bulgarian Military website concerned with military affairs, translated by Al-Mada, stated that these new aircraft are expected to replace the fleet of American-made Iraqi F-16 fighters, which are among the most important combat aircraft used in the Iraqi Air Force today. For several reasons, some of them entered the stage of non-operation due to the lack of spare parts and the need for costly maintenance services.[/size]
[size=45]Another reason is the lack of a trained cadre to operate and maintain the F-16s. The Iraqi Air Force had made strenuous efforts to train skilled pilots and retain a trained technical cadre, which resulted in a shortage of qualified personnel to operate and maintain F-16 fighter jets.[/size]
[size=45]In the presence of such challenges, Iraq has turned to Pakistan in its endeavor to support its air force with a fleet of (JF-17) Pakistani combat aircraft as an effective alternative to (F-16) aircraft at a lower cost, which is expected to provide Iraq with effective air defense capabilities on a longer term.[/size]
[size=45]It is noteworthy that both the (GF-17) and (F-16) are two multi-role combat aircraft designed to carry out air-to-air combat missions and air-to-ground combat missions.[/size]
[size=45]Both planes are nearly identical in size and weight, with the Pakistani F-17 being smaller and slightly lighter than the American F-16.[/size]
[size=45]Both planes are equipped with advanced navigation and armament systems, including radar, missiles and bombs.[/size]
[size=45]Nevertheless, there are important differences between the two planes, as the US F-16 is more advanced and complex, with a longer flight range and greater weapons load capacity than the Pakistani F-17. On the other hand, the Pakistani JF-17 is less expensive and is a less expensive option for Iraq than the American F-16 in terms of maintenance, operation and spare parts.[/size]
[size=45]The Pakistani GF-17 is equipped with modern navigation equipment, which includes a digital cockpit screen and advanced radar systems, which allow the pilot to have a better understanding of the situation and to hunt targets more effectively.[/size]
[size=45]It is an aircraft capable of carrying a wider range of weapons, including (air-to-air) and (air-to-surface) missiles, as well as other precision-guided munitions and bombs, making it a versatile aircraft with the ability to carry out a wide range of missions.[/size]
[size=45]The report states that in the end, the (GF-17) aircraft is a better option for Iraq in terms of cost compared to its old fleet of (F-16) aircraft.[/size]
[size=45]It has a relatively lower cost in terms of manufacturing and maintenance, which makes it a more popular option for countries with a limited defense budget.[/size]
[size=45]About the website (Bulgarian Military)[/size]
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