Paris, January 5 - In a significant shift for the Iraqi Air Force, Iraq is poised to acquire 14 advanced Dassault Rafale F4 multirole fighter jets from France, marking a diversification from its long-standing reliance on American Lockheed Martin F-16IQ aircraft. Negotiations, ongoing since 2022, are expected to culminate in a contract signing in 2026, introducing the latest Rafale F4 standard to Baghdad's arsenal. This move reflects Iraq's broader strategy to modernize its military aviation capabilities, addressing operational limitations in its current fleet and enhancing both air defense and precision strike roles amid regional security challenges.
The Iraqi Air Force has operated around 34 F-16IQ variants for over a decade, primarily in counterinsurgency operations against remnants of extremist groups. However, these jets feature downgraded avionics, electronic warfare systems, and weaponry compared to standard F-16 models, restricting their effectiveness in beyond-visual-range engagements and advanced networked warfare. In contrast, the Rafale F4 offers superior sensors, including the Thales RBE2 AESA radar, enhanced SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, and superior data fusion for multi-role missions. The planned package includes ten single-seat Rafale C and four twin-seat Rafale B aircraft, all newly built, potentially equipped with MICA NG air-to-air missiles, Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles, and AASM precision-guided bombs for versatile air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.
This Rafale acquisition underscores Iraq's push toward a more balanced and capable air force, complementing rather than replacing its F-16 fleet. Joint training with French forces during Operation Chammal has familiarized Iraqi pilots with the Rafale's advantages in sensor range, information sharing, and weapon flexibility. The deal highlights growing Franco-Iraqi defense ties, positioning the Rafale F4 as a key asset for sovereign airspace protection and deterrence in a volatile Middle East.
As Iraq prepares for this transition, the introduction of Rafale fighter jets represents a pivotal upgrade in Iraqi military aviation, bolstering air superiority and strike precision while signaling a strategic pivot in procurement partnerships. This development could reshape regional air power dynamics, with the Rafale's omnirole design enabling seamless shifts between interception, reconnaissance, and ground attack missions.