BAGHDAD, Iraq - The Iraqi military is expecting to receive deliveries of new air-defense equipment 'very soon', military spokesman Sabah al-Numan said on September 10.
Modernization of Iraq's air-defense capabilities is "now a top priority" for the military, al-Numan stated at a press conference. "We have made great strides in the field of contracts for air defence systems because it is a priority in the armament process. Very soon, air defence systems will be received from reputable sources and well-known companies."
While he did not identify the systems or contractors specifically, al-Numan added that the hardware is coming from the U.S., South Korea, and Turkey.
Iraqi Major General Yahya Rasool said earlier in September that Iraq is working to create a layered air-defense network including short-, medium-, and long-range systems that work alongside radar and command-and-control infrastructure.
Baghdad inked a KRW3.7 trillion ($2.8 billion) deal with LIG Nex1 in September 2024 for the acquisition of the M-SAM II. Earlier this year, Iraqi officials told media that they were in dialogue with Turkey over the purchase of 20 unspecified air-defense systems.
The development comes as Iraq prepares for the withdrawal of international forces on September 30, following the anti-Islamic State campaign begun in 2014. Al-Numan described the withdrawal date as non-negotiable, noting, "This timing is fixed. It is also a demonstration of the capabilities of the Iraqi security forces in protecting Iraqi sovereignty. We are witnessing daily the acceleration in the withdrawal of foreign forces within the international coalition."
Control of its airspace has become a top priority for Iraq, particularly as Iran and Iranian-backed militias have fired drones and missiles through Iraqi skies amid the recent conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
