Iraqi F-16 fighters depart Tuscon, staging toward Balad Air Base, Iraq

Steven Valinski writes at Aviation Photography Digest:

According to a report on Scramble.nl, a source for aircraft movements worldwide, at least four Iraqi Lockheed Martin F-16IQ block 52’s landed at Lajes Field, located in the Azores, Portugal, on Thursday evening. The departure of the F-16’s from Tucson International Airport signifies the readiness of Joint Base Balad, located north of Baghdad, to receive the aircraft.

COMMENTARY: Steven Valinski's above linked article and photos are worth a lookover.

Roster of aircraft departed TUS for TER, staging for an estimated 12JUL15 delivery to OR9 appears to include the following:

IqAF Lockheed Martin F-16IQ (D Block 52) serial 1601

[photo: Steven Valinski]

IqAF Lockheed Martin F-16IQ (D Block 52) serial 1602

[photo: Steven Valinski]

IqAF Lockheed Martin F-16IQ (D Block 52) serial 1604

[photo: Steven Valinski]

IqAF Lockheed Martin F-16IQ (C Block 52) serial 1607

[photo: Steven Valinski]

Destination: delivery to Iraqi Air Force Balad Air Base (OR9)

Iraqi defense minister tours Balad Air Base

Video stills from Iraqi Ministry of Defense video depicting Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi touring Balad Air Base on 03JUN15. (Complete embedded video at end of post.)

Signage at Balad Air Base includes illustration of F-16 fighter aircraft and fighting falcon

Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi amid American military personnel and contractor. The tour of Balad happens to coincide with a strike by 475 Iraqi military aviation technicians currently training in Jordan, after their salaries were cut by 80% following an order from the Iraqi defense and finance ministers.

Control tower of what is being touted as an improved Bald Air Base 

Exterior view of improved hardened aircraft facility at Balad Air Base

Interior view of improved hardened aircraft facility at Balad Air Base

Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi speaking before entrance of hardened aircraft shelter

File photo of IqAF Lockheed Martin F-16I D Block 52, serial 1601  [Photo: Keith Snyder]

Long delayed initial F-16I delivery to Iraq expected summer of 2015 according to American sources; on  21JUL15 according to Iraqi Air Force Lt. Gen. Anwar Hama Amin.

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