Iraq cancels Pakistani JF-17 deal, opts for French Rafale
Iraq cancels Pakistani JF-17 deal, opts for French Rafale
4-29-2025
Al-Maalomah/Translation…
A report by the Belgian newspaper Army Reconciliation confirmed on Tuesday that Iraq’s discussions with France regarding the purchase of Rafale fighter jets are progressing, but without official confirmation yet.
The report, translated by Al-Maalomah, stated that “recent information indicates that Iraq may be finalizing a plan to purchase twelve of the latest F4 Rafale aircraft from France, along with a full weapons package, maintenance, training, and support. Iraq has also studied the possibility of purchasing JF-17 Thunder aircraft from Pakistan. However, at the recent Iraqi defense exhibition, Pakistani representatives unofficially confirmed the cancellation of the Pakistani aircraft deal, seemingly paving the way for a focus on purchasing the Rafale.”
It added that “Iraq’s interest in Rafale aircraft dates back to late 2020, when a high-level delegation visited the Saint-Dizier-Robinson air base in France, followed by meetings with the French Minister of the Armed Forces. The deterioration of Iraq’s F-16 fleet, resulting from strained relations with the United States and the withdrawal of American maintenance contractors, has prompted Baghdad to seek alternative suppliers.”
He continued, “In early 2021, the Iraqi Defense Minister publicly confirmed negotiations for Rafale fighter jets, indicating the possibility of arranging payment through oil-for-equipment transactions. Throughout 2021 and 2022, Iraq’s stated goal remained to acquire up to 14 Rafale aircraft to restore the operational capability of its air force, which was severely constrained by its F-16 fleet.”
He explained, “According to various reports, Iraq is now seeking to purchase 12 Rafale aircraft for approximately $3 billion, including a full support package of ammunition, spare parts, maintenance, and pilot training. A down payment of $240 million has reportedly already been made, with the remainder to be paid through oil shipments to France.”
He explained that “Baghdad’s insistence on receiving the full configuration of Rafale F4 aircraft is to obtain long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles manufactured by MBDA, known for their range exceeding 150 kilometers. However, Israeli diplomatic efforts reportedly sought to prevent the full delivery of advanced munitions, especially the Meteor. Despite these pressures, Iraqi sources indicate that Baghdad remains committed to obtaining the Rafale package with all the systems originally allocated to it.”
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