Iraq is considering buying a large batch of Russian MiG-29 fighters.

Iraqi sources reported that the Iraqi Defense Ministry is engaged in discussions about purchasing Russian combat aircraft that will replace the non-repairable American F-16 fighters. The most profitable option, not inferior in power to American combat vehicles, is the MiG-29 fighter.

At the moment, the Iraqi Air Force is armed with 34 F-16 fighters, more than half of which cannot be used for military operations due to non-repairability. The reason for the undermining of Iraq's defenses was the withdrawal of the American military from the Balad airbase, and the Iraqi military technicians have neither the skills to repair American combat aircraft, nor spare parts for them. To date, the possible acquisition of Russian MiG-29 fighters is only being considered by the Iraqi military department, however, experts believe. that the sale of the same F-16s to other countries, and the purchase of Russian fighters with these funds, may even turn out to be beneficial for Baghdad.

It should be clarified that, among other things, Iraq is extremely interested in buying Russian air defense systems, in particular, earlier in Baghdad they actively discussed the issue of purchasing S-300 and even S-400 complexes, however, due to the fact that the country's parliament is actively lobbying for the promotion American weapons, the decision to purchase Russian air defense / missile defense systems was never made.