Iraq to get new air defence systems as US-led coalition mission ends

Iraq has finalized significant agreements for air defence systems and anticipates the first deliveries "very soon" as the nation prepares to take sole control of its airspace upon the conclusion of the US-led anti-ISIS coalition mission on September 30, announced a government spokesman on Thursday. Sabah Al Numan, the military spokesperson for Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi, addressed a news conference to emphasize that modernizing Iraq's air defence has become a "top priority" in the country's weapons procurement process.

Al Numan stated that considerable progress has been made in securing contracts for air defence systems, citing their importance in the armament process. He revealed that a central plan has been devised to deploy these new systems across Iraq to safeguard oil facilities, critical infrastructure, and national sovereignty. The systems will be sourced from reputable nations, including the United States, South Korea, and Turkey.

This announcement coincides with the confirmation that September 30 will mark the final deadline for the international coalition's mission and the withdrawal of US and other foreign forces operating under it. Al Numan stressed that the withdrawal date is non-negotiable, a testament to Iraq's political will and the capabilities of its security forces in protecting Iraqi sovereignty.

He noted that the withdrawal is currently accelerating on the ground. Al Numan praised the coalition for its contributions over the years, particularly in training, equipping, and providing air support to Iraqi forces during the fight against ISIS. He confirmed that ISIS has been defeated in Iraq, and there is no longer a threat from this group, although remnants may still exist, with security forces actively pursuing them.

He also addressed the future of Operation Inherent Resolve, which began in mid-2014 with the outbreak of ISIS's offensive in Iraq and Syria. While the operation may continue in other regions, Al Numan confirmed that it will officially conclude in Iraq on September 30. "Operation Inherent Resolve will end in Iraq on September 30," he affirmed.

"But ISIS exists in other countries, so Operation Inherent Resolve may continue," he added, without specifying the affected countries. The focus on air defence reflects Iraq's concerns about recurrent airspace violations in recent years, encompassing missile strikes, drone attacks, and aircraft assaults, orchestrated by regional entities and Iran.

Iran has repeatedly targeted US troops in Iraq, with recent attacks extending to US facilities in Jordan and other neighboring states. Iraq has previously maintained only a limited number of older air defence assets since 2003, struggling to independently monitor and defend its airspace due to the coalition's significant support.

Earlier this month, Maj Gen Yahya Rasool, spokesman for the Iraqi Defence Ministry, revealed that the government was working towards establishing an integrated national air defence system encompassing long, medium, and short-range capabilities, along with radar and command infrastructure. Rasool explained that the armed forces had initially planned a six-year development timeline, but Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi mandated a three-year reduction.

"The system must be completed and operate in a balanced manner," he explained, highlighting that Iraq is holding regular meetings with reputable companies to enhance its air-defence capabilities.