Iraq accepted delivery of three F-16s in November 2017. The fighters are based at Balad Air Base, Iraq. Iraq Ministry of Defense file photo.
Air Force Magazine: Lockheed Martin Personnel Leaving Iraqi F-16 Base Because of Militia Threats
Lockheed Martin is withdrawing personnel who support Iraq’s F-16 fleet from Balad Air Base because of threats from militias in the region, a step that will likely limit the fleet’s operations.
The move comes after some contractors had temporarily left the major operating base in recent months because of the threat from Iranian-backed militias, according to a Defense Department Inspector General report.
“In coordination with the U.S. government and with employee safety as our top priority, Lockheed Martin is relocating our Iraq-based F-16 team,” the company said in a statement.
“We value our partnership with the Iraqi Air Force and will continue to work with the Iraq and U.S. governments to ensure mission success going forward.”
Read more ....
Update #1: Lockheed Martin removes contractors from Iraq base over security fears -- Reuters
Update #2: Iraq’s F-16s Grounded After Lockheed Martin Withdraws Crews -- New York Times
WNU Editor: What spurred this withdrawal were three US contractors getting wounded in an attack last week .... US contractor leaves Iraq base over rocket attacks (Arab News/AFP).
1 comment:
There is a cost for the Iraqi government of letting the Iranian theocracy or semi-autonomous having a larger determination than the Iraqi government itself. Would the Iraqis be better of buy Swedish, French, Russian or Chinese jets?
Will the F16s be bleaching n the sun like all the rusted Russian hulks around Iraqi airfields?
Why are they rusting any way. They don't have smelters?
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