Skip to main content

Iraq military says looking to purchase air defence system

Iraq to buy air defence system and narrows down candidates to three countries
MENA
1 min read
05 October, 2021
Iraqi MPs have said that the country is looking to purchase an air defence system from Russia, France or South Korea. Striking a deal with Moscow could possibly subject it to US sanctions
Iraq says it needs an air defence system to cover the country 'from north to south' [Getty]

Iraq revealed on Monday it will be purchasing new air defences from one of three countries after the state allocated a budget for the missile system.

Bader Al-Ziyadi, a member of the security and defence committee in the Iraqi parliament, said in a press statement that this year's budget would not cover the cost of new air defences but that the country needs such a system.

He said that Iraq could buy the military equipment from Russia, France, or South Korea.

"Iraq needs a sophisticated air defence system," covering the full extent of the country, said Al-Ziyadi.

Iraq has been in a state of conflict and instability since the US-led invasion of the country in 2003, almost all due to internal fighting.

Hakim Al-Zamili, an Iraqi MP and a former head of the security and defense committee, previously told RT that negotiations were taking place between Baghdad and Moscow on the possible purchase of Russia's S-400 missile system.

Such a deal could subject Iraq to US sanctions though, as has happened to Turkey when it bought the S-400 air defence system.