Frowning takes 68 muscles.
Smiling takes 6.
Pulling this trigger takes 2.
I'm lazy.
Posted on 07/05/2010 6:49:45 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
U.S. troops are conducting training exercises with Iraqi divisions, emphasizing teaching the Iraqis to work with air power. The U.S. is using F-16s, which the Iraqis are negotiating to buy. In the meantime, the U.S. Air Force will apparently stand by (possibly in Kuwait, but perhaps in Iraqi air bases) to provide air defense and ground support capabilities. All this is because, while U.S. combat troops are scheduled to be out of Iraq by 2011, the Iraqis point out that they have an army and navy, they still don't have much of an air force. Currently, the Iraqi Air Force consists of transports, helicopters and prop driven recon aircraft. No jet fighters, which are essential for defending the national air space. No nationwide air defense system (radars and missiles) either. They want to know what can be done in two years.
Well, it's possible to get some second hand F-16s and get some minimally trained pilots for them. It's also possible to buy and install a radar system and some anti-aircraft missile batteries. Iraq would probably have to hire some foreign technicians to help maintain the radars, jets and missile system. These would be replaced by Iraqis in 5-10 years. But it all costs money, and Iraq has no credit, and too many demands on their oil income (which accounts for most of the government budget.)
Last year, the Iraqi Air Force leadership convinced the government to spend $1.5 billion to buy a squadron of 18 new F-16 jet fighters (and train pilots and set up maintenance facilities). The U.S. was inclined to cooperate, and sell Iraq the 96 F-16s Iraqi Air Force wants to eventually purchase over the next decade.
(Excerpt) Read more at strategypage.com ...
so every-time they skirt the border with Iran
it will give Persians a heart attack on whose F16 are flying their way
F-16 Ping.
This is a bad idea. I do not like this deal one bit
I remember reading somewhere that Iraq's foreign debt at the conclusion of Desert Storm was in the neighborhood of 150-200% of GDP. I'm wondering how much of those old debts are still on the books today?
As for the F-16's, I think it's a good choice for the Iraqi Air Force and for the U.S. It's a capable, relatively inexpensive fighter that gives it the capability to oppose Iran without upsetting the balance of power in the region should things go south between Iraq and her other neighbors in the future.
I remember that some of the Gulf Nations, including Saudi Arabia forgave Iraqs debt. I do not believe in giving advanced technology to a nation that has a shaky government and is warming is relations with Iran and Syria.
Howbeit I still feel sorry for the massive cuts in the F-22 program and the country is bereft of an adequate air superiority fighter for the next generation without it.
They are good planes but are being sold to the wrong people.
I agree 100% on that too!!
“I do not believe in giving advanced technology to a nation that has a shaky government and is warming is relations with Iran and Syria.”
That’s a very good point, and a concern I share. I am anything but completely confident about the long-term relationship between Iraq and the United States. Like you, I’d like to see a bit more stability and trustworthiness from the Iraqi government before selling their military a first line fighter aircraft.
I *do* think, though, that if the U.S. government remains intent on rebuilding the Iraqi military (as they seem to be), the F-16 would seem to be the option of least potential harm (compared to the F-35, etc.)
Your kidding right?
In short order any and all technology and training will migrate to Iran.. Shortly thereafter one or more of the F16s will be “Forced” to land in Iran..
How is it possible for conservatives who comprehend and correctly perceive the efforts to destroy the US go Ga Ga when they read of American training and technology being transferred to those who oppose our very existence.
Iraq has by majority vote a Sharia based government dominated by the same Shia’s who have always aligned themselves with their Shia’ kind in Iran..(Those Persians you spoke of who have played the US Generals for fools all along here.)
Simple point..One does not train nor provide an enemy or their potential/actual allies in the Western Way of War..
Unless your objective is the death of Western Troops and defeat of the West.
W
Ping
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