F-16's to Iraq?
By Jacruz25
@Jacruz25 (1124)
Philippines
September 27, 2011 9:29pm CST
Iraq has already paid in advance the $1.4B for purchasing 18 units of F-16's to defend it's airspace. A total of $3B deal (which I think overpriced) was made since US forces will soon leave Iraq and she will be dependent enough to defend herself. I agree on selling F-16s to Iraq because she is already and ally or of the US but the price seems too high. I know that a single F-16 would only cost around $20M-$25M. Delivery of the F-16s maybe not until 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15083193
2 responses
@ybong007 (6643)
• Philippines
28 Sep 11
The jet fighters would probably contain the most sophisticated and advance weapons the US can incorporate in each jet and probably be the main reason why the cost is too much. Another consideration why the iraquis accepted the price could be because they have the money.
1 person likes this
@Jacruz25 (1124)
• Philippines
28 Sep 11
You maybe right. But probably it was also too high because of the maintenance and other weapons also included in the package like surface to surface missiles 'sidewinder' and other weapons that are not included on the actual F-16 price. At the same time the Iraqi pilots don't know how to fly them so flight simulator could also be included together with pilot training that would cost more than $100M per plane.
@mantis36 (4219)
• Philippines
28 Sep 11
my favorite fighter planes of the US are F-14 Tomcat, and its very rare to heard it talk anymore, i really like the sudden wingspan that sometimes extend, sometimes retract...
but F-16 is what i frequently heard, maybe that is their main battle planes...
@Jacruz25 (1124)
• Philippines
28 Sep 11
Actually the F-14 was introduced to US navy in 1970 to be the navy's premier air superiority fighter with multirole capabalities. It's a sweep wing aircraft to minimize the space it occupies when they are store in the carriers hangar. The F-14 tomcat was one of the best successful fighter jets in history but it already retired in 2006. The current multirole strike fighter of the US navy that replaces the F-14 is the F-18 'Hornet' with far more superior capabilities and weapons systems specially the upgraded F-18 'Super Hornet'. The F-18 is smaller than the F-14 though. The F-16 was introduced to the US airforce in 1976 and is still active today. F-16's are single engine and are far more cheaper but lethal super sonic multirole strike fighter.
