Iraqi Ground Forces Commander Attends U.S. Defense Weapons Exhibition in Washington

Iraqi Ground Forces Commander Lieutenant General Qasim Mohammed Saleh Al-Muhammadi attended a U.S. defense weapons exhibition in Washington on Friday to explore the latest developments in military technology, equipment, and armaments.

According to a statement from Iraq’s Ministry of Defense, Al-Muhammadi met with several ground forces commanders from countries around the world on the sidelines of the exhibition. The meetings provided an opportunity to examine advanced weapons, equipment, and technologies in light of those deployed in modern warfare.

The ministry said the visit aims to strengthen the capabilities of the Iraqi Army and improve its armament and equipment, enabling it to keep pace with global developments in military technology.

Arms procurement has remained a major priority for successive Iraqi governments since 2003, with its importance growing significantly after ISIS seized large parts of the country in mid-2014, prompting efforts to enhance the capabilities of the armed forces.

Despite the United States supplying Iraqi forces with advanced weapons and equipment, including F-16 fighter jets, reliance on American personnel for maintenance and ammunition supplies continues to draw criticism from political groups in Baghdad. Critics argue that such requirements may limit the operational independence of weapons purchased with public funds.

Meanwhile, the arming of the Kurdistan Region’s Peshmerga forces remains a contentious issue. Kurdish officials maintain that the forces are excluded from the federal Ministry of Defense’s arms and equipment programs, despite their status within Iraq’s national defense framework under the constitution.