Multi-National Force - Iraq - Iraqi Air Force Receives New Aircraft

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Iraqi Air Force Receives New Aircraft

Saturday, 29 December 2007

Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq

The Iraqi Air Force Beechcraft KingAir 350, which was delivered Dec. 28 to the Iraqi Air Force, sits on display in a hangar here. The airplane was purchased through Foreign Military Sales. Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Frost.

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Air Force received a new, technologically advanced aircraft in a ceremony here Dec. 28. The Beechcraft KingAir 350 was delivered to the Iraqi Air Force through Foreign Military Sales, a process that allows the Iraqi government to purchase military equipment and supplies from other countries, including the United States, with its own money.

Additional KingAir aircraft, which are fitted with intelligence gathering sensors, will be delivered throughout next year, said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Bob Allardice, Coalition Air Force Transition Team commander.

“These aircraft will fly critical training, airlift and surveillance support for the government of Iraq to fight the counterinsurgency,” he said.

Lt. Gen. Kamal, head of the Iraqi Air Force, echoed Allardice’s comments about the flexibility of the Iraqi Air Force’s newest asset. “This airplane is very good, and it can fly many missions,” said the Iraqi general.

Although the KingAir delivered Dec. 28 is not fitted with sensors, it will be used for light transport missions, flying cargo and distinguished visitors, and as a training aircraft for Iraqi officers who will be piloting the airplanes.

“This aircraft arrived about four months in front of other aircraft so that we can train the pilots up,” said Allardice. “When the other planes arrive, the pilots will be ready to go right into the fight,” he added.

Pilot training will begin Dec. 29 and will take place at Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq. The school will last approximately three and a half months for each class of pilots.