SULAIMANI (ESTA) — The Iraqi Air Defense Command said on Monday that there are efforts to equip the command with advanced weapons to control the country’s skies.
Commander of the Iraqi Air Defense Command Major General Maan al-Saadi said Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and other senior military officials had expressed support to develop Iraq’s air defense and combat capabilities.
“There are endeavors for the purpose of purchasing more advanced weapons, radar detection systems and defense weapons interceptors with greater ranges,” state news agency INA quoted Saadi as saying.
He further said the air defense command monitors all aircraft that enters Iraq’s skies, despite violations by some countries.
“No aircraft will enter Iraqi airspace, without coordination and approval from the higher commanders of the armed forces,” he added.
“There are violations that might occur, but they are monitored, and the driving references are informed,” he continued.
Saadi said the air defense command “need additional support and capabilities” to deter violations occur in northern Iraq, referring to the Kurdistan Region where Turkish warplanes intermittently carry out airstrikes against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
