Iraq F-16 Purchase Delayed for Lack of Funds, al-Dabbagh Says
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Iraq isn’t currently seeking to buy U.S. F-16 fighter jets made by Lockheed Martin Corp. because it lacks the funds to rebuild its air force, government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said.
“Iraq is determined to rebuild its air power capabilities, but the plan is postponed,” al-Dabbagh said in a telephone interview from Baghdad. “There are no new negotiations by the Iraqi government or the defense ministry,” he said. The defense portfolio is held by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.