Iraq has finalized a $118-million contract with Vectrus Systems to sustain its F-16 fighter jet fleet, focusing on base support, life services, and other essential operations.
The deal, arranged under the US foreign military sales framework, received an upfront payment of $57.8 million from the Iraqi government.
Services will be provided at the Martyr BG Ali Flaih Air Base in southern Iraq, with project completion targeted for November 2026. Reports from Shafaq News Agency indicate that the Iraqi Air Force, which operates 34 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D jets, remains dependent on US contractors for technical and logistical support.
Since the 2020 departure of American personnel, the number of combat-ready F-16s in Iraq has dwindled from 20 to five. Iraq’s original procurement included 36 F-16 Block 52+ aircraft, though two were lost in separate training accidents in the United States.
