Vectrus Systems has received a roughly $252-million contract from the US Air Force to continue supporting Iraq’s F-16 fighter jet operations, following a comparable $118-million agreement awarded in June. The new contract covers a wide range of critical services—including base operations, life-support functions, and security—at the Martyr Brigadier General (BG) Ali Flaih Air Base in Salah al-Din province. Work under this latest award is expected to run until September 24, 2026, ensuring uninterrupted sustainment for Iraq’s primary combat aircraft fleet. The Air Force’s decision to extend Vectrus’ role maintains an established pattern of US-backed contractor support at the installation. Stability at the base has been challenged in past years by drone and rocket attacks from Iran-aligned militias, as well as temporary withdrawals of US contractors. Sustained involvement from Vectrus aims to mitigate these disruptions and maintain the country’s readiness levels. Iraq currently fields 34 F-16s, which arrived beginning in 2014—the same year US forces initiated airstrikes against the Islamic State (IS) under Operation Inherent Resolve. The aircraft remain central to Iraq’s counter-terrorism strategy, enabling rapid-response strikes and surveillance missions against IS cells still operating within the nation. The Martyr BG Ali Flaih Air Base, situated about 60–70 kilometers north of Baghdad, functions as the main operating center for fixed-wing combat sorties. Continued logistical and security support helps Iraq retain operational momentum and strengthens its airpower capabilities as it confronts lingering extremist threats.
