Iraqi Air Force

Iraqi Air Force
Unit name	Iraqi Air Force
Native name	القوات الجوية العراقية
Dates	1931–present
Country	Iraq
Type	Air force
Role	Aerial warfare
Command structure	Iraqi Armed Forces

Iraqi Air Force. Established in 1931, it is one of the oldest air forces in the Middle East. Its history is marked by periods of significant strength under the Ba'athist regime, devastating losses during the Gulf War and Iraq War, and a protracted rebuilding effort in the 21st century. Today, it operates as a key component of the Iraqi Armed Forces, focused on counter-insurgency and national sovereignty missions.

History

The service traces its origins to the Royal Iraqi Air Force, founded with British assistance and initially equipped with aircraft like the de Havilland Tiger Moth. It saw early action suppressing tribal revolts and participated in the Anglo-Iraqi War of 1941. Following the 14 July Revolution and the establishment of the Republic of Iraq, it expanded rapidly with Soviet equipment, playing a major role in the Iran–Iraq War with strikes against targets like Kharg Island. Its capabilities peaked in the 1980s, but it was largely destroyed in the 1991 Gulf War during operations like Operation Desert Storm. The 2003 invasion of Iraq led to its formal dissolution by the Coalition Provisional Authority, with a new air force slowly reconstituted to support the Iraqi Army against ISIL in campaigns such as the Second Battle of Fallujah.

Organization

The force is commanded from Baghdad and falls under the authority of the Ministry of Defense. Its structure includes several operational wings and squadrons distributed across major air bases. Key commands are dedicated to training, transport, and close air support, with significant advisory roles played by the United States Air Force and other international partners. Units are often aligned with specific geographic regions to support ground operations by the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service and federal police.

Aircraft

Its current inventory reflects a diverse mix of modern and legacy types acquired for specific missions. Primary fixed-wing assets include the Cessna 208 and Beechcraft King Air for reconnaissance and light attack, alongside F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters acquired from the United States. Rotary-wing strength is built around the Mil Mi-17 and Bell IA-407 for troop transport and close support, with the T-6 Texan II serving as a primary trainer. Earlier generations operated advanced Soviet types like the MiG-25 and Sukhoi Su-25.

Major operations

Beyond the Iran–Iraq War, it conducted the H-3 airstrike in 1981. During the Kuwait War, it engaged in the Battle of Khafji and launched Scud missiles at Israel. In the post-2003 era, its most critical involvement was in the War in Iraq (2013–2017), providing vital air support during the Siege of Amirli, the Battle of Tikrit, and the Mosul offensive. These operations, often coordinated with the international coalition, were pivotal in defeating ISIL strongholds.

Facilities

Major operating bases include Ali Air Base near Nasiriyah, Al Asad Airbase in Al Anbar Governorate, and Balad Air Base, which was a critical hub for U.S. forces. Other key installations are Baghdad International Airport, used for transport and VIP flights, and Kirkuk Air Base. The Taji Air Base complex serves as a primary training and maintenance center, often hosting contractors from Lockheed Martin and other firms.

Insignia and markings

Current insignia feature a green roundel with a red octagram, adopted after 2003 to replace previous symbols associated with the Ba'ath Party. Aircraft typically display the national flag on the fin and low-visibility gray markings. Historical schemes have varied widely, from the Royal Iraqi Air Force's pre-1958 roundels to the green-and-white camouflage patterns used during the Iran–Iraq War, which sometimes included unique victory markings.

Category:Military of Iraq Category:Air forces by country