Meet Iraq's new Air Force

Posted By Blake Hounshell Friday, October 17, 2008 - 9:37 AM Share

Aviation Week reports on the new, improved Iraqi Air Force:

[T]he order of battle for the Iraqi Air Force now includes three [Cessna] Caravans for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance [ISR], three armed Caravans, two Hawker/Beechcraft King Air light transports and six King Airs 350s also for ISR.

Fourteen planes?

EXPLORE:IRAQ, MILITARY

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TRAXTON

7:58 PM ET

October 17, 2008

Only fourteen?

Didn't John McCain crash that many? Just kidding, but seriously, if they lost one, it would be more than 14% of their fleet gone.

DOR

11:10 AM ET

October 18, 2008

Based on likely threats to its security...

You wouldn't think Iraq needs a squadron of fighter jets, right? They need more air capabilities for intel, surveillance, recon, and airlifting troops and equipment. Helicopters (which I think are army, not air force procurements) and smaller, less maneuverable planes are probably a more efficient return on committed treasury. Then again, I know nothing about application of air power and appropriate procurement.

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