Iraq to obtain Rafale jets from France in exchange for fuel

Beirut – Iraq is focusing on its defence preparedness and would sign defence agreements with France and Russia. International analysts have claimed that these include French Rafale fighter jets and Russian T-90 tanks. Analysts said that Iraq would be supplying fuel to France in exchange for the Rafale fighter jets.

Norman Ricklefs, who has been a former advisor to the internal security Minister of Iraq and is currently an analyst at an international think tank, revealed this information while speaking to a news agency. Reports had been published that the Iraq military was preparing to buy Chinese made JF17 aircraft from Pakistan. But as per the information revealed by Ricklefs Iraqi air force is keen on the French Rafale fighter jets.

The Iraqi air force will be purchasing 14 Rafale fighter jets worth USD 240 million from France. At the same time, it will also buy drones and artillery guns. In contrast, it will procure the world-renowned T-90 tanks from Russia. Ricklefs said that the talks are in the final phase for this procurement between Iraq, Russia, and France.