BREAKING NEWS TODAY: Iraq seeking to purchase a military air defense system

This article comes from a reliable news source in the Middle East.  You will need to read the entire article to understand what is really going on.  The channel is not yet sure if Iraq can go outside of its agreement with the US to purchase a military air defense system without input from the US.  Please note that sometimes, the news portals in the Middle East report what they want to hear rather than what is intended.  This is an explosive top that appears normal on the surface. 

Iraqi officials have announced extensive contacts with several countries to purchase air defense systems to deter possible Israeli airstrikes.

Two Iraqi officials have told Al Araby Al-Jadeed, The New Arab's Arabic sister website, that the government of Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has initiated extensive contacts with several countries to purchase air defense systems, with support from the ruling Coordinating Framework coalition.

Iraqi authorities are taking precautionary measures in case Israel's war spills over to Iraq. At the same time, Iran-backed militias continue to attack United States military bases in the country as the Israeli army continues its war against Palestine's Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon.

Furthermore, Iraq is frustrated with the US for not following through with its promises to help rehabilitate its air defense system for several years.

Sudani announced Monday that his cabinet is working hard to develop and equip the Iraqi army with modern weapons and defensive systems.

Inaugurating the Air Force Academy at Al-Suwayrah Air Base in the Wasit Governorate, nearly 46 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, he made these remarks.

According to the State News Agency (INA), Sudani stressed the importance of developing the infrastructure of the Ministry of Defence, improving the capabilities of the Iraqi Army and armed forces in general, and equipping them with advanced military weapons and equipment from reputable global sources. He also highlighted their mission to protect Iraq's land and airspace, ensuring the safety, security, stability, and prosperity of every city and town while resisting any potential aggression or turmoil.

The Iraqi government is prepared for possible Israeli attacks on its territory if the current conflict widens. According to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, they do not want to become a new Syria, subject to repeated Israeli strikes without a response.

Officials also noted that the US has delayed the provision of air defense systems to Iraq and reneged on its September 2020 promise to provide modern radar and early warning systems.

In the upcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Baghdad, this issue is expected to take center stage, as there is a strong push for purchasing advanced air defense systems. Iraq plans to develop its air defense systems so that it can protect its airspace fully, the official said.

In his view, the previous governments failed to address the issue of purchasing air defense systems, leaving Iraq's airspace vulnerable and unstable, posing a threat to the country's security and stability.

In addition, Sudani's cabinet has decided to purchase advanced air defense systems capable of protecting Iraqi airspace.

During the previous attempts to purchase advanced air defense systems, Iraq was politically obstructed, according to Muaed al-Jheshi, an expert in military affairs.

The US refusal had been the main obstacle, and he predicted that the US would continue to hinder Iraq's ability to acquire those systems.

Considering recent developments in the region, Iraqi forces must own advanced air defense systems to prevent the Syrian experience from happening within its own territory. Even in Baghdad, any combat aircraft can penetrate the Iraqi airspace and carry out attacks. "Baghdad has been bombed previously by Israeli warplanes," al-Jheshi argued.

In January 2020, a US drone hit the convoy of Qasem Soleimani, former head of Iran's Quds Force, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy chief of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). 

Moreover, Turkey and Iran frequently violate Iraq's airspace. Turkey claims to target only Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) bases in Iraq. The Iranian Kurdish opposition parties based in the region have been targeted with ballistic missiles and drone attacks by Iran.

Turkish and Iranian airstrikes have killed hundreds of Iraqi civilians and Kurdish security forces in both cases.