Iraqi air force has so far received 10 F-16 fighter jets from United States as part of a deal signed in 2011 to purchase a total of 36 warplanes.
According to Iraqi Defense Ministry, Iraqi has received a new batch of four F-16 fighter jets in readiness of Mosul offensive.
Defense ministry in a statement on Sunday said the fighter jets would “support operations aimed to liberate the rest of usurped Iraqi territory”.
“The new aircraft will play a major role in the offensive to liberate Mosul,” Iraqi lawmaker Iskandar Witwit told media agencies on Monday.
According to Witwit, the F-16 jets would serve to boost the Iraqi air force’s efficiency during an anticipated offensive to capture Mosul from Daesh terrorist group, which took control of the city in 2014.
“F-16 warplanes are needed to destroy Daesh sites and weapons depots in Mosul,” Witwit added.
In July 2016, Iraq air force received two Russian MI-28NE attack helicopters. According to Iraqi Defense Ministry, the two attack helicopters have been instrumental in the fight against Daesh terrorist group.
Iraqi army, supported by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes, has managed to dislodge Daesh and retake most of the territory though the terrorist group remains in control of several parts of the country.
