Iraq: Ur 2 drill for the first time in the Middle East
"The Air Force is experiencing a qualitative leap in capabilities, reflecting Iraq's development in absorbing military technology, thanks to the direct support of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammed S. Al-Sudani," said Al-Khafaji in a statement to Al-Iraqiya News TV channel - followed by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.
"Iraqi Air Force aircraft participated in complex drills in the (Ur 2) to formulate joint work with advanced institutions and support ground forces towards a specific target, with very precise timing and very accurate execution," he noted, adding, "The execution of airstrike directives today is taking place in seconds and minutes, demonstrating a qualitative leap in the development, training, and performance of the Air Force, reflecting Iraq's progress in absorbing technology."
He explained that "the Ur 2 drill is unique and was held with the participation of five countries: the Iraqi, American, Italian, French, and Jordanian air forces. This is the first time this type of drill has taken place in the Middle East."
"The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Al-Sudani, supports the security forces, particularly the Iraqi Army and the Air Force, which is Iraq's long-standing weapon and arm in protecting the security and safety of Iraq's skies," Al-Khafaji explained, noting that "the financial allocations and great interest of the Commander-in-Chief in developing the Iraqi Air Force have had a positive impact, as demonstrated by today's exercise."
Al-Khafajiv pointed out, "With the support provided by the Commander-in-Chief and the Minister of Defense, we have the financial and human capabilities to accommodate the technology, business, and significant developments in the aviation industry," adding, that "this has been proven after Iraq received the most complex weapons, including the Air Force."
He highlighted that "the Air Force Command now possesses several advanced aircraft, such as F-16s from the United States, T-50s from South Korea, advanced surveillance and training aircraft such as the Cessna Caravan, advanced CH5 and CH4 air surveillance aircraft from the People's Republic of China, in addition to 159L close air support aircraft from the Czech Republic."
"This diversity of resources is a diversity in increasing and building capabilities. This underscores the importance of diversifying resources, as well as the ability to absorb the most complex weapons, prepare a suitable environment for pilots, and receive students to train pilots and engineers," he underscored.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces attended the "Ur 2" drill on Tuesday and emphasized the government's efforts to build and develop the Air Force according to modern principles.
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