The Defense Department has notified Congress of the potential sale of 18 F-16 fighters and associated equipment and services to Iraq under a foreign military sale with a total value as high as $4.2 billion. “The proposed sale will allow the Iraqi air force to modernize its air force by acquiring western-interoperable fighter aircraft, thereby enabling Iraq to support both its own air defense needs and coalition operations,” reads the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s announcement. DOD officials have expressed support for Iraq acquiring an air superiority fighter, preferably a Western model like the F-16. Air Forces Central began a study last year to identify the best options. Among the equipment included in the FMS sale would be AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, 500- and 2,000-pound laser-guided bombs, and Sniper or Litening targeting pods. (DOD release)
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.