Iraqi Air Force Celebrates 78 Years

Iraqi Air Force (IqAF) day began with the press gathering at the Triumphal Arches [Cross Swords] in downtown Baghdad, which set the tone for the celebration of the 78th anniversary of the IqAF. To showcase the IqAF’s capabilities, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense transported the media in three Mi-17 Transport Helicopters to Muthana Air Base, April 22. The media was very excited as they lifted off from downtown Baghdad and arrived at the air base where they quickly dispersed to cover the event for the Iraqi people and the surrounding countries. The IqAF had many aircraft displayed, including the C-130 Hercules, B350 King Air Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance plane, Mi-17 Transport Helicopter, AC208 “Combat” Caravan, CH2000 SAMA, C172 Cessna Skyhawk, and UH-1 Huey.

The IqAF was established in 1931 and the rebuilding of the force began in 2004. Iraqi Army Gen. Babakir, chief of staff, Iraqi Joint Forces, stated, “We have established the Iraqi Air Force from nothing to where it is today. The Air Force has enhanced the security of the country and we now have the ability to provide vital information to the commanders on the ground to protect all the infrastructure of Iraq.” Iraqi Army Staff Lt. Gen. Anwar Ahmed, IqAF commander, addressed the over 200 in attendance by saying, “The Air Force needs is being developed from aircraft maintenance, to the training of its officers. The Iraqi Air Force, thanks to the help of U.S Army Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, the United States Air Force and all the teams that have worked besides us, are moving forward to achieve our goals.” Abd Al Qadir, Iraqi minister of defense stated, "We are here to celebrate the 78th anniversary of the Air Force. We started to rebuild the Iraqi Air Force in 2004 with the support of the Ministry of Defense. And the Air Force is now part of the structure that defends the country of Iraq.”

Posted in: Helicopter,Iraq,Training aircraft