Latest news with #TahseenAl-Khafaji
Iraqi News
7 days ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraq Receives 4 Thales Radars and Anticipates the Arrival of 6 Caracal Drones
Baghdad – INA The Ministry of Defense announced today, Friday, Iraq's most significant contracts in the fields of armament, air defense, and cybersecurity. While indicating the receipt of 6 Caracal drones in the middle of next month, it also confirmed the receipt of French Thales radars that cover wide areas of Iraqi airspace. The Director of the Ministry's Media and Moral Guidance Directorate, Major General Tahseen Al-Khafaji, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The Caracal drones, which were contracted as part of plans to strengthen the Iraqi Air Force, will arrive in the middle of next month," indicating that "Iraq will receive six aircraft this year, while 14 others will arrive during the next year." He added, "Three advanced boats were received from Turkey this year, which represents a significant development in our naval capabilities," noting that "work is also continuing in the field of cybersecurity, particularly with regard to the anti-drone system, in cooperation with Spain." He continued, "This system specializes in countering drones, as it monitors their hertzian frequencies and electronically shoots them down. It is part of modern cyber defense technologies." Regarding military manufacturing, Al-Khafaji emphasized that "military manufacturing is witnessing tangible growth, especially in meeting the needs of ground forces for binoculars and weapons. Contracts have been signed with advanced entities in this field, which have proven highly efficient and provided the security forces with what they need." He noted that "Iraq has extensive experience in the form of engineers and officers, and we have advanced international relationships that have enabled us to learn about the latest global systems in armament and organization." Regarding air defense, Al-Khafaji confirmed that "Iraq has obtained four French-made Thales radars that cover large areas of Iraq. Additional low-altitude radars have also been acquired, with three of them received so far as part of a larger batch awaiting delivery. This will contribute to meeting national air defense requirements." He pointed out that "the armament process in Iraq is carried out according to integrated planning between the Air Force, Air Defense, Army Aviation, and the Ground Forces, to ensure the integration of the weapons system and to meet the needs of each military branch." He stated that "the fundamental issue in armament is the availability of a financial budget, as armament is expensive and requires infrastructure and continuous maintenance, especially with the diversity of armament sources, which requires careful planning and an appropriate environment." He explained that "the availability of funds allows us to keep pace with the times and keep pace with changing challenges, and develop the necessary plans to confront them and mitigate their impact." He explained that "the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, during an important meeting held recently that included the Ministers of Defense and Interior and a number of security agencies, emphasized the importance of a strategic vision for future armament, in line with Iraq's defense and security requirements."
Shafaq News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Arab Summit: Baghdad fully secured with no visible armed presence
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Ministry of Defense has completed all necessary preparations to secure the upcoming 34 th Arab League Summit scheduled for Saturday, May 17, in Baghdad, ensuring the city is ready for the high-profile event. Tahseen Al-Khafaji, the Ministry's Director of Media and Moral Guidance, told Shafaq News that "forces from the Baghdad Operations Command and affiliated units are fully mobilized, with all necessary capabilities and resources deployed across all sectors,' highlighting the collaborative effort with the Supreme Security Committee, led by Minister of Interior, Abdul Amir Al-Shammari. The official emphasized that "preparations have been underway for about a month," with units and resources specifically assigned to support the security plan. 'The approach will focus on intelligence and security measures, without a visible armed presence.' Earlier today, Baghdad hosted the Economic and Social Council meeting at the ministerial level, part of preparations for the 5th Arab Economic and Social Development Summit. Iraq Already on Alert To accommodate the event, the Iraqi government has announced a suspension of public sector work in the capital on Thursday, May 15, and Sunday, May 18 — except for the Ministry of Education — and imposed a ten-day ban on protests. Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, has directed continuous coordination among security agencies to ensure the success of both the Arab and Development Summits, viewing their successful organization as both a political and security victory. The Supreme Security Committee revealed that 600 officers and personnel have been selected for high-level protection training, including securing hotels and the airport, while minimizing the visibility of armed personnel. Beyond security, the country has made significant infrastructural investments to ensure the success of the summits. The Baghdad Municipality has completed 84 projects, improving key roads and areas throughout the city.
Iraqi News
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraq: Ur 2 drill for the first time in the Middle East
The Director of the Media Directorate at the Ministry of Defense, Major General Tahseen Al-Khafaji, confirmed on Tuesday that the international strategic drill (Ur 2), which was conducted today with the participation of five countries, is the first of its kind 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.
