The Iraqi Air Force’s F-16 Fleet Is On The Brink Of Collapse

Warzone/The Drive: The Iraqi Air Force’s F-16 Fleet Is On The Brink Of Collapse Despite Showy Flybys

A high-profile 23 F-16 flyover may only have served to paper over the cracks in what is an increasingly precarious Iraqi Viper fleet.

A total of 23 Iraqi Air Force Lockheed Martin F-16IQ Viper fighter jets took part in an impressive flyby to mark the centenary of the country’s army yesterday. This is despite recent reports that Baghdad’s fleet of F-16s, the pride of the country’s air force and arguably its most capable combat assets, is suffering from serious readiness problems.

The flyby was part of a major military parade to commemorate 100 years of the Iraqi Army that was staged in Baghdad in the presence of the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kazemi. As well as fighters and helicopters, troops, and various military vehicles were presented to the country’s officials and the general public. A full video of the event is posted later in this article.

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WNU Editor: You need American trained personnel or contractors to maintain this fleet. But considering on how dangerous Iraq is right now. Who would want to work there.