Iraq Accelerates Air Defense Modernization Plan to Three Years

Major General Yahya Rasool, spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, announced that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has directed officials to expedite the development of the nation's air defense system, compressing the timeline from six to three years without compromising operational standards.

Rasool emphasized that a fully integrated air defense network requires layered short-, medium-, and long-range missiles and radar systems. While Iraq currently operates high-efficiency French radar units across various operational sectors, the military is actively conducting technical visits and negotiations with leading global defense contractors to procure remaining components. He concluded that the upcoming period will mark a major strategic shift in safeguarding Iraq's airspace.