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Iraq says US-led coalition forces are no longer conducting missions
Iraqi Air Force Commander Khalid al-Tamimi said international coalition forces have not conducted missions inside Iraq since the beginning of 2026 and that Iraqi air operations have continued independently. Tamimi said the coalition’s mission in Iraq is scheduled to end on September 30.
Iraqi Air Force Commander Khalid al-Tamimi said his country has been conducting air operations without direct support from the international coalition. Tamimi said coalition forces have not undertaken any missions on Iraqi territory since the beginning of 2026.
While the coalition’s mission in Iraq is scheduled to end on September 30, Tamimi said the air force is carrying out all of its current missions using Iraq’s own capabilities.
Iraqi teams carry out F-16 maintenance
Tamimi said Iraq’s F-16 fighter jets are maintained entirely by Iraqi personnel, adding that Pratt & Whitney, a US-based aviation manufacturer, is consulted during some stages of engine repairs. He said part of the repair work is carried out by teams in Iraq.
Tamimi said negotiations to purchase Rafale fighter jets are progressing and that the first package under discussion consists of 14 aircraft. The Iraqi commander did not provide information on which party the talks are being held with.
Exercise in France postponed
Tamimi said Rafale jets stationed in Jordan take part in monthly exercises with the Iraqi Air Force, adding that an exercise planned to take place in France this year was postponed because of the ongoing war in the region.
Tamimi said Iraq’s air defense provides radar coverage across the country, adding that fighter jets equipped with air-to-air missiles and their pilots are kept ready for duty every day. He said the Iraqi Air Force conducts daily aerial surveillance and that the resulting reports are submitted to the commander-in-chief of the armed forces through the army chief of staff.
Proposal for a separate command for UAVs
Tamimi said efforts to develop domestic production capacity are continuing and that the establishment of a separate command for unmanned aerial vehicles has been proposed. He said work in this area is still at an early stage.
Tamimi said dormant cells are present in remote and rugged areas. He assessed that the current threat is very limited because of public awareness and the capabilities available to Iraqi forces.
58,822 missions against Daesh
Tamimi said the Iraqi Air Force carried out 58,822 missions during the war against Daesh, adding that these activities included transport, reconnaissance, various operations, support for ground forces and strikes against the group’s positions.
Tamimi said an Antonov-type transport aircraft was taken out of service after being hit by a missile at a base in Baghdad. He did not provide information on when the incident occurred or who was responsible for the attack.
Baghdad-Washington agreement
Baghdad and Washington agreed in September 2024 to end the US-led international coalition’s military mission in Iraq and transition to bilateral security partnerships. These partnerships were intended to support Iraqi forces and maintain pressure on Daesh to prevent the group from regaining strength.
The US-led coalition was established in September 2014 to combat Daesh and supported Iraqi forces in operations against the group. After Daesh’s territorial control in Iraq ended in 2017, the coalition’s role largely shifted to advising, providing assistance and strengthening the capabilities of Iraqi security forces.
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