newstodate.aero
APR 20, 2004 (newstodate): Plans for the resurrection of Iraq's Air Force are now taking shape.
A squadron of six UH-1H Iroquois helicopters will become operational in July and stationed at Tadji Air Base. This fleet will increase to sixteen Iroquois by April of 2005.
The Iraqi Air Force's long-range tactical airlift capability will be initially supported by two C-130B Hercules transport aircraft, which will be operational in October and based at Baghdad Air Station. The fleet will eventually grow to six aircraft by April of 2005.
A squadron of light reconnaissance aircraft, the type of which is yet to be decided upon, will become operational later this summer, with four aircraft at Basrah and expanding later, possibly to Kirkuk. This fleet will be tasked with infrastructure and border security duties, reporting problems directly to the appropriate repair and intervention units.
-The Iraqi Air Force's roles will include the policing of international borders and surveillance of national assets. Air capability will allow Iraq to rapidly deploy its developing Army, and with over 3,500 miles of border, aviation is the only practical method of surveillance, says a statement from the Coalition Provisional Authority and the Iraqi Ministry of Defense .
A squadron of six UH-1H Iroquois helicopters will become operational in July and stationed at Tadji Air Base. This fleet will increase to sixteen Iroquois by April of 2005.
The Iraqi Air Force's long-range tactical airlift capability will be initially supported by two C-130B Hercules transport aircraft, which will be operational in October and based at Baghdad Air Station. The fleet will eventually grow to six aircraft by April of 2005.
A squadron of light reconnaissance aircraft, the type of which is yet to be decided upon, will become operational later this summer, with four aircraft at Basrah and expanding later, possibly to Kirkuk. This fleet will be tasked with infrastructure and border security duties, reporting problems directly to the appropriate repair and intervention units.
-The Iraqi Air Force's roles will include the policing of international borders and surveillance of national assets. Air capability will allow Iraq to rapidly deploy its developing Army, and with over 3,500 miles of border, aviation is the only practical method of surveillance, says a statement from the Coalition Provisional Authority and the Iraqi Ministry of Defense .