Iraq strengthens its air capabilities with Chinese combat drones

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[size=52]Iraq strengthens its air capabilities with Chinese combat drones[/size]

[size=45]Translated by / Hamed Ahmed[/size]
[size=45]The Global Defense News website revealed Iraq's recent acquisition of a group of Kai Hong Five CH-5, a Chinese-made medium-altitude, long-range combat aircraft. This deal comes as the latest trend in a series of military purchases that reflect the growing cooperation between China and Iraq in various fields. The military levels, especially Iraq’s efforts to modernize its military arsenal.[/size]
[size=45]The report indicated that late April 2024 was the date for an important development in Iraq’s air capabilities with its acquisition of the Cai Hong-5 combat drone manufactured by the Chinese Aerospace Science and Technology Company CASC, and this was officially revealed during the Iraqi Defense Minister’s visit to the Security, Defense and Military Industries Exhibition held in Baghdad. This indicates an important step towards modernizing and developing Iraq's air capabilities.[/size]
[size=45]The relationship in the field of the military sector between Iraq and China developed greatly after 2003 and was characterized by important arms procurement deals and technological cooperation. Being among the main suppliers of weapons to Iraq, China has equipped Iraq with various types of military equipment, including armored vehicles such as Type 59 and Type 85 main battle tanks, WZ-551 armored personnel carriers, artillery systems, and advanced CH-4 and CH-4 drones. 5. This cooperation has also been extended to include training Iraqi forces, as well as technical support and support in how to use and maintain these weapons and equipment.[/size]
[size=45]The Kai Hong-5 drone is a modern model more developed than the previous series of these aircraft, the Kai Hong-3 and Kai Hong-4, which Iraq had acquired and introduced into service within its air force nearly a decade ago. This modern model of drone is distinguished by its advanced capabilities, which include the ability of the aircraft to remain in the air for 60 hours and its ability to carry different types of air-to-surface missiles and missiles, making it particularly suitable for performing prolonged reconnaissance missions and directing precise strikes on targets.[/size]
[size=45]The report indicates that although complete details are not available on the specific aspects of the agreement between Iraq and the Chinese Aerospace Science and Technology Company that manufactured the aircraft, the display of a model of the CH-5 aircraft at the event that took place last April reveals six armament positions, which suggests its ability to carry heavy weight. Of weapons and ammunition. These specifications place the CH-5 drone within the category of strategic weapons and equipment in the fight against terrorism, especially the remnants of ISIS, which still threatens the security of the region.[/size]
[size=45]Iraq's acquisition of this weapon is part of a broader plan to enhance the country's military capabilities, which also includes contracts and coordination with other foreign countries, as was demonstrated by the presence of the European Typhoon combat aircraft from the Italian Air Force participating in the military exhibition event that was held in April. Therefore, Iraq appears determined to diversify its armament sources and enhance its air defense capabilities amid continuing terrorist threats.[/size]
[size=45]The report states that strengthening Iraq's military arsenal with advanced combat drones such as the CH-5 highlights the spiral of competition between China and the United States in the arms sector market, as each country seeks to expand the volume of its arms deals and sales in the region and expand the scope of its military cooperation with Iraq. With advanced capabilities and competitive prices that are relatively lower than the prices of Western counterparts, Chinese drones are likely to continue to play a major role in Iraq's defense strategy over the coming years.[/size]
[size=45]It is noteworthy that the CH-5 combat drone was displayed for the first time at the Chinese International Aviation and Space Exhibition, which was held in the Chinese town of Zhuhai in 2016, and according to available information, it is considered a type of medium-altitude, long-range drone with a wingspan extending to a distance of 21 meters and a capacity to carry ammunition. And a double weapon weighing up to 1,200 kg, which is a capacity that exceeds the payload capacity of the older type of this aircraft, which is only 900 kg.[/size]
[size=45]The payload capacity of this drone, which is also called the Rainbow Five, enables it to carry various types of ammunition, bombs and missiles, including more than 16 air-to-ground missiles, Lan Jian 7 Blue Arrow air-to-surface laser missiles, TG100 laser-guided bombs and AR missiles. -1Hj-10 anti-armor and anti-tank.[/size]
[size=45]Last year, Iraq also contracted with Dassault Aviation, a French company that manufactures military aircraft, to purchase 14 Rafale aircraft from French military aircraft, in addition to approaching Pakistan to obtain 24 Pakistani-made AT-6C Texan ll aircraft from the Pakistan Aircraft Industries Complex.[/size]
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