Seoul / NINA / - A Report.. by NINA's Envoy / Mohammed Hamid.. Deputy Commander of the Air Force, Major General Pilot Khaled Mirdas, revealed a new strategic direction for Iraq at international arms shows, based on maximizing the benefit from and developing existing military assets before embarking on new purchases.

This came during Mirdas' participation as head of the Iraqi delegation at the Seoul International Aviation and Defense Exhibition (ADEX). In a statement to the Iraqi National News Agency (NINA), he explained that the goal of the participation is to "learn about the latest South Korean military technologies" and "complete the requirements for the T-50 aircraft," denying that the participation is aimed at "contracting with companies specialized in the aviation field at the present time."

Development Axes: From a Training Platform to an Integrated Fighter

Major General Mirdas highlighted the main axes of the development strategy, which revolve around the advanced Korean T-50 fighter jet. He revealed:

1. Aircraft Armor: After pilot training is completed, there is an intention to arm the Iraqi fleet of these aircraft with "conventional and guided bombs," taking advantage of their highly accurate firing systems. He emphasized that this trend "will occur in the future."

2. Practical Preparations: There are imminent attempts to test launch these bombs from T-50 aircraft, and we are awaiting the arrival of "armament manuals" from the Korean manufacturer, which has promised to deliver them soon.

3. Multi-mission: He pointed to the aircraft's main advantage, its ability to serve as an advanced training platform and simultaneously as a combat aircraft (fighter) after simple modifications, which maximizes its operational value and gives the air force great flexibility.

Affirmation of Commitment and Future Prospects

Mirdas emphasized that the Korean side "promised to fulfill all the requirements of the contract concluded" between the two countries, reflecting the Iraqi side's diligent follow-up to ensure the contracts are implemented according to the agreement.

Indicating the confidence the Iraqi Air Force has gained in this system, the Deputy Commander of the Air Force revealed "an intention to complete a second contract for T-50 aircraft" with the Korean side, following the successful completion of the first contract last April and the fulfillment of all its requirements.

International Partnerships and a Future Vision

Participation was not limited to the Korean side alone, as he indicated that the Iraqi delegation held introductory meetings with its counterparts from the United States, Jordan, and Algeria, opening up prospects for future military and technical cooperation with multiple international partners.

Major General Mirdas concluded his statement by painting an optimistic picture of the future of the Iraqi Air Force, describing it as "in significant development and with a bright future." He highlighted the ongoing support of the Ministry of Defense and the Army Chief of Staff for the Iraqi Air Force Command, which prioritizes the development of the Air Force and enables it to participate in such international exhibitions that open up promising future prospects in the fields of aviation, training, and the acquisition of modern weapons.

The Iraqi military delegation's participation in the ADEX Seoul exhibition comes within the framework of Iraq's keenness to develop its defense capabilities in a thoughtful manner, with a focus on maximizing the benefit from existing investments before embarking on new ones. This step demonstrates mature military planning and a clear strategy for building a deterrent and advanced air force.

The Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2025) kicked off last Sunday morning in South Korea.

This event is one of the largest and most comprehensive exhibitions for the aerospace and defense industries in South Korea, with ADEX 2025 hosting a record 600 companies from 35 countries this year.

The exhibition combines public air shows, trade shows, military products, and interactive activities, including:
Airshows featuring fighter jets, helicopters, and drones.

Land/naval defense equipment: tanks, armored vehicles, air defense systems, and naval systems. / End




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