Exclusive: US General on F-16 Contract: Confirmation of Washington’s Continued Presence in Iraq
Exclusive: US General on F-16 Contract: Confirmation of Washington’s Continued Presence in Iraq
2025-11-25 09:00
Shafaq News – Washington/ Mustafa Hashim
American military expert and retired General Mark Kimmitt considered the Pentagon’s renewal of the contract to support Iraqi F-16 aircraft a clear message about the future relationship between the two countries, stressing that it is evidence of the United States’ continued involvement in Iraq regardless of the controversy surrounding the withdrawal of combat forces.
Kimmitt, who previously served as Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, told Shafaq News Agency in an exclusive interview, commenting on the $252 million contract, that “this contract is essentially about maintaining Iraq’s current capabilities.”
He explained that it was not a new military expansion, but rather a routine procedure to ensure the continued operation of the Iraqi air fleet, which represents the backbone of air sovereignty.
In his analysis of the contract, which will run until the fall of 2026, Kimmit stated: “The renewal of the F-16 contract is proof of the United States’ commitment to remaining engaged in Iraq, regardless of the levels of American forces there.”
The retired US general, who held senior positions in the State Department and Defense, likened this future technical presence to the economic presence in the energy sector, similar to the US companies involved in the Iraqi oil sector, where civilian experts will remain in Iraq to maintain the readiness and capabilities of the vital F-16 fleet.
Kimmitt noted that the contract awarded to Vectrus (which merged and is now part of the giant V2X company) is a continuation of a long-term program, but its renewal at this time confirms that Washington and Baghdad are adopting a partnership model based on civilian expertise and sustained technical support rather than total reliance on a direct military presence.
The US Department of Defense (the Pentagon) announced last Saturday that it had awarded a new contract worth more than $252 million to Vectrus Systems LLC to provide logistical and security support services for the F-16 aircraft program in Iraq.
The Pentagon stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that the contract, whose exact value is ($252,050,925), is an over-cost, fixed-fee contract, and aims to provide base operating services, life support (sustenance and basic services), in addition to the necessary security services.
He explained that the work related to this contract will be carried out at “Martyr Brigadier General Ali Faleh Air Base” (the Iraqi part of Balad Air Base), and the work is expected to be completed by September 24, 2026.
The ministry indicated that this contract falls under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program for Iraq and was awarded as a “single-source acquisition” (without competitive bidding). Approximately $124 million ($123,994,954) in FMS funds were allocated upon signing the contract.
shafaq.com
