Iraqi Air Force Asserts Operational Independence and Pursues Rafale Fighter Jets Purchase

mesoiraq - Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, Lieutenant General Pilot Khaled Al-Tamimi, confirmed that all aerial missions across Iraq are executed with complete independence without International Coalition intervention. Al-Tamimi highlighted that Iraqi technical teams maintain full operational control over airspace. He further revealed ongoing negotiations to acquire French Rafale fighter jets and plans to establish local drone manufacturing capabilities to strengthen national defense.