Another Middle Eastern country attempting to decouple from the United States? Gust | French Dassault Company | Attempt
According to foreign media reports, as part of the military reform plan, Iraq recently signed a contract with French company Dassault to purchase 14 Rafale fighter jets to replace the US made F-16IQ fighter jets equipped by the country's air force.
Why is Iraq currently eager to replace its fighter jets? Why did you choose France as your partner?
F-16IQ fighter vs. Rafale fighter
Data chart: Two seat F-16IQ fighter jet equipped by the Iraqi Air Force
According to reports, the overall scale of the Iraqi Air Force is relatively small, with 34 American made F-16IQ fighter jets as its main aircraft, mainly responsible for homeland air defense and ground attack missions.
Military observer Zhou Weizheng believes that the F-16IQ fighter jets of the Iraqi Air Force are currently severely aging and difficult to use. The addition of Rafale fighter jets can improve the combat capabilities of the Iraqi Air Force in the short term.
Zhou Weizheng:
The F-16IQ fighter jet currently equipped in Iraq is a reduced version of the American F-16C/D fighter jet - the F-16IQ fighter jet does not have beyond visual range air combat capabilities and has average precision strike capabilities on the ground.
Due to inadequate maintenance and upkeep services provided by the US, the current combat readiness of these fighter jets is poor, resulting in a combat vacuum in the Iraqi Air Force.
In contrast, the French Rafale fighter jet has advanced comprehensive performance and is equipped with the Mika medium range air-to-air missile, the Flying Fish anti-ship missile, the Scap air launched cruise missile, and various guided bombs.
Iraq and France: win-win cooperation
Data image: French Dassault's Rafale fighter jet
In Zhou Weizheng's view, the Rafale fighter jet can provide the Iraqi Air Force with strong medium range air combat capabilities and long-range precision strikes against the sea and ground. The cooperation between the two countries on fighter jets is also a win-win solution.
Zhou Weizheng:
Compared to the United States, France's military sales do not have any additional political conditions, and there is no significant difference in performance between export and self use fighter jets. Subsequent services such as maintenance, weapons and ammunition, and spare parts supply are more reliable.
This large military sales order is also very important for France. If France can intervene and leverage the traditional American arms market in the Middle East, not only will it generate considerable economic benefits, but it will also greatly help to enhance France's voice in the Middle East.
The Development Process of the Iraqi Air Force
Data image: Iraqi Presidential Palace after being bombed by the US military in 2003
The Iraqi Air Force was once the leading air force in the Middle East and performed outstandingly in the Iran Iraq War. However, in the subsequent Gulf War and Iraq War, this air force was depleted by direct attacks from the United States and years of sanctions.
Zhou Weizheng stated that Iraq, whose national strength is gradually recovering, is currently vigorously promoting the modernization process of its air force, and updating its main fighter jets is only the first step it has taken.
Zhou Weizheng:
The current Iraqi Air Force was rebuilt with the support of the United States in the later stages of the Iraq War, and its overall scale is relatively small. After Iraq gradually regained its national strength, it began to accelerate the modernization process of its air force.
In the future, the Iraqi Air Force may also purchase early warning aircraft, transport aircraft, bombers, etc., to build a fully integrated air force, transforming from a tactical air force based on national air defense to a strategic air force with both offensive and defensive capabilities. Of course, this will also be influenced by changes in the international situation and the domestic development situation in Iraq.
The trend of "de Americanization" in Middle Eastern countries is gradually emerging
It is understood that in recent years, Iraq's equipment construction has been continuously "de Americanized". In addition to purchasing fighter jets from France, Iraq has also purchased a large amount of ground equipment such as T-90 tanks from Russia.
Military observer Zhou Weizheng believes that in the current context of the Middle East's "peaceful resolution", more and more Middle Eastern countries are becoming increasingly aware of seeking strategic autonomy.
Zhou Weizheng:
At present, traditional American weapons purchasing customers such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are also increasing the scale and types of weapons and equipment purchased from other countries. Recently, there have been reports that Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and other countries plan to form a naval alliance to maintain regional security with their own troops.
These trends indicate that Middle Eastern countries have a clearer understanding of the status and role of the United States, which will further be reflected in their future weapons procurement.
