“Vectrus Systems has a $118 million deal with Iraq to maintain its fleet of F-16 fighter planes.
Under the US foreign military sales program, the agreement covers base operations, life support, and associated services.
The Iraqi government provided the whole $57.8 million initial payment made at the contract signing.
According to the Shafaq News Agency, the Iraqi Air Force maintains 34 Lockheed Martin-made F-16C/D fighter aircraft and relies on American contractors for logistical and maintenance assistance. The project, which is taking place at Martyr BG Ali Flaih Air Base in southern Iraq, is expected to be finished by November 2026.
After the US withdrew its forces in 2020 due to tensions between Baghdad and Washington, the number of mission-ready F-16s decreased from 20 to 5.
Between 2014 and 2017, Iraq placed orders for 36 F-16 Block 52+ airplanes via two international military sales agreements, with two of the jets being destroyed in training incidents in the United States.”
