The Iraqi Air Force has operated since 2003 with a motley mix of small aircraft, but nary a bullet, bomb or missile.
According to the latest quarterly report released today by the US military, that situation may have already changed.
The IqAF re-acquires the ability to strike targets on the ground in "early 2009" with the delivery of a first batch of 20 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. The armament will likely be fired from one of 24 Bell 407 armed reconnaissance helicopters now under contract. (See page 51)
It's a major step in the re-emergence of the IqAF's air power capability. The government has also made noises about acquiring a range of tactical fighters, including Super Tucano turboprops, T-38 advanced jet trainers and F-16s.
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