Russian Air Force Su-24 combat aircraft downed by Turkish forces

Doomed RuAF Sukhoi Su-24 "Fencer" attack aircraft, claimed shot down by THK F-16 "Viper" multirole fighter aircraft.

According to Reuters:

Turkish fighter jets shot down a Russian-made warplane near the Syrian border on Tuesday after repeatedly warning it over air space violations, Turkish officials said, but Moscow said it could prove the jet had not left Syrian air space.

Turkish presidential sources said the warplane was a Russian-made SU-24. The Turkish military, which did not confirm the plane's origin, said it had been warned 10 times in the space of five minutes about violating Turkish airspace.

Russia's defence ministry said one of its fighter jets had been downed in Syria, apparently after coming under fire from the ground, but said it could prove the plane was over Syria for the duration of its flight, Interfax news agency reported.

According to Russia Today News:

A Russian Su-24 fighter has been shot down in Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry said, adding the plane hadn’t violated Turkish airspace and was flying at an altitude of 6,000 meters.

“During the flight, the aircraft was flying within the borders of Syria, which was registered by objective monitoring data,” the ministry said, adding that the aircraft was "supposedly shot down from the ground.”

COMMENTARY: This is the first time a NATO member armed forces has downed a Russian or Soviet military aircraft since the 1950s.

This action by the Turkish military could be interpreted by the Russo-Iranian led coalition as rendering support for armed opposition forces, against Russian military forces engaged in supporting current Syrian pro-government offensive at northern Latakia Governorate. [see military situation map at bottom of post]

Russian and Turkish assets fell on fears of an escalation between these two countries that have seen periods of hostility and open warfare during the previous five centuries.

RuAF Sukhoi Su-24 "Fencer" attack aircraft falling to earth upon Turkmen Mountain, in the north of Latakia region of Syria

  

Flight radar track imagery of downed RuAF Su-24 attack aircraft, as provided by Turkish military following shootdown. Russian Defense Ministry disputes this, claiming it has evidence to show the downed attack aircraft remained within Syrian airspace.

Military situation map of area where RuAF attack aircraft are supporting Syrian government military forces in their current offensive at Latakia Governorate.  [source: Peto Lucem]

Iraqi F-16s in Action

Iraqi air command confirms Iraq’s F-16s are now striking ISIL positions.

“Fifteen airstrikes (by F-16s) were carried out in the past four days,” said Lt. Gen. Anwar Hama Amin, the commander of Iraqi Air Force. (AFP, 6 September)

The first four Iraqi F-16s arrived from the United States in mid-July, out of a total of 36 sold to Baghdad. The aging Sukhoi Su-25 jets were the backbone of the Iraqi air force.

U.S. Deploy F-16s to Turkish Airbase for Counter-ISIL Operations

The United States deployed a detachment of F-16 warplanes at a Turkish base to support operations against the Islamic States. Last week Turkey decided to host the deployment of U.S. aircraft conducting counter-ISIL operations.

Six U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons today arrived at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, along with support equipment and approximately 300 personnel, U.S. European Command announced. The detachment is from the 31^st Fighter Wing based at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

Photo credit: F-16 Fighting Falcons as they arrive at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey; 9 August 2015 (U.S. Air Force/AFP)

Two-Front War against ISIL for Liberation of Ramadi and Fallujah

1st Squadron of F-16s Landed in Iraq

A two-front war against ISIL has begun in Anbar province. The Iraqi security forces started their operation today. Ramadi could be the logical choice for ISF to retake, after its scandalous retreat from the city in May. The U.S. is also conducting intense airstrikes against ISIL positions in Ramadi, Reuters reported today. Simultaneously it seems, the Iran-led Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), the umbrella group of predominantly Shia militias, continued its operation to cordon off Fallujah and secure lines of communication as the first steps to recapture the city. Fallujah has been under ISIL control since January 2014.

Meanwhile, after years of preparation and training in the U.S., Iraqi pilots today landed the 1^st squadron of Iraqi F-16s in Iraq.

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)

Inaugural F-16 fighter plane built for Iraq crashes in Arizona

 

Above: burning crash site in Arizona of Iraqi Air Force F-16IQ

According to F-16.net on 25JUN15:

An Iraqi F-16 assigned to the 162nd Wing, Arizona ANG, crashed sometime around 20.00h today, five miles east of Douglas Municipal Airport, while partaking in a night training mission. The Iraqi pilot was killed in this mishap.

The crash of the F-16 occurred near Douglas close to the border between Arizona and New Mexico. The jet was the inaugural F-16D block 52 #1601 (RB-01) for the Iraq Air Force which first took flight on May 2nd, 2014.

[...]

The Iraq government ordered 36 F-16s and while delivery of them is on hold, the pilots who will fly them have been learning the ropes of the aircraft with the 162nd FW since 2012.

Commentary: Iraqi sources identify the pilot as IqAF Brig. Gen. Rafid Mohammed Hassan.

Loss of the inaugural IqAF F-16 and its pilot represent another setback to the Iraqi Air Force, which had expressed the expectation of a much delayed deployment to Iraq on 21JUL15 for war against ISIL.

An accurate critique by Tyler Rogoway of U.S. policy towards the Iraqi Air Force can be accessed HERE.

Undated image of the late Brig. Gen. Rafid Mohammad Hassan

File image of lost IqAF Lockheed Martin F-16IQ (D Block 52) Fighting Falcon, serial 1601

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.

VIDEO:

Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16 lost during operation over Yemen

File photo: RMAF Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon multirole fighter

According to Reuters:

A Moroccan F-16 warplane taking part in the Saudi Arabian-led coalition fighting in Yemen went missing on Sunday, the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces said in a statement.

[…]

"One of the F-16s of the Royal Armed Force (FAR) made at the disposal of the coalition led by Saudi Arabia to restore the legitimacy in Yemen went missing on Sunday at 6 pm local time," FAR's statement carried by the Moroccan state news agency MAP said.

The pilot of a second jet in the same squadron could not see if the pilot had ejected, it said. An investigation is under way, it added.

Aljazeera is reporting RMAF aircraft went down after being struck by hostile fire.

From the FAR description of the incident, aircraft appears to be RMAF Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 52+ type Fighting Falcon.

This is the third aircraft reported lost during the Saudi-led air war over Yemen: the first being a RSAF Boeing F-15S Strike Eagle multirole strike fighter and the second a RSALF or SANG Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.

Jordanian Fighter Jet Not Downed by ISIL - CENTCOM

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said today evidence clearly indicates that ISIL did not down the aircraft over Syria as the insurgent group is claiming.

“We… will not tolerate ISIL’s attempts to misrepresent or exploit this unfortunate aircraft crash for their own purposes,” said GEN Lloyd Austin, the Commander of the U.S. Central Command, who oversees all coalition military operations in Iraq and Syria. (CENTCOM, 24 December)

The Jordanian F-16 aircraft crashed in the vicinity of the northern Syrian city of Raqqah today and the pilot, identified as First Lieutenant Moaz al-Kasasbeh, was taken captive by ISIL forces. CENTCOM did not say what caused the crash.

Photo credit: An image posted by ISIL showing their forces with the captured Jordanian pilot of an F-16 aircraft, now identified as First Lieutenant Moaz al-Kasasbeh; Raqqa, Syria, 24 December 2014 (ISIL/AP/NYT)

ISIL shoots downs Royal Jordanian Air Force F-16 - Update

Update: United States Central Command denies cause of RJAF F-16 downing hostile fire from ISIL, in statement made without providing specifics of crash.

ISIL has claimed the successful shootdown of a U.S.-led coalition combat plane over Syria, flown by First Lieutenant Muaaz Yusuf El-Kasasbah of the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF), shown captured.

Aircraft type is believed to be RJAF General Dynamics F-16AM Fighting Falcon ("Viper") multirole fighter aircraft.

ISIL claims aircraft shot down with "anti-aircraft missile," possibly MANPADS. ISIL believed to have captured MANPADS from Syrian military stocks, and  also been known to acquire from Al-Nusra Front being passed on from Free Syrian Army source, originally provided through Qatari support.

RJAF First Lieutenant Muaaz Yusuf El-Kasasbah depicted at moment of capture at Hemret Ghannam, 11 km east of Al-Raqqa.

File photo of First Lieutenant Muaaz Yusuf El-Kasasbah, before RJAF General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon

Two Iraqi F-16IQ aircraft delivered to Tuscon ANGB

The first two IqAF F-16IQ aircraft have been delivered 16DEC14 to Tuscon ANGB from NAS Fort Worth JRB. These are F-16IQ (D Block 52) serials 1601 and 1602. These aircraft were originally scheduled for delivery to Balad Air Base (OR9 / ORBD) but USG instead decided to deliver to Tuscon AZ, due to ISIL advances resulting from the 2014 Northern Iraq Offensive. Training at Tuscon ANGB is being conducted by Arizona ANG 162nd Wing.

The two F-16s delivered represent the initial batch of eight aircraft, to be flown to Tuscon ANGB from NAS Fort Worth JRB. Six more are scheduled to be delivered over the next five months; the next likely serials being 1603 (D Block 52) and 1607 (C Block 52).

IqAF Capt Hama before F-16IQ (D Block 52), serial 1601

[USAF photo by SrA Jordan Castelan]

USAF Lt Col Julian Pacheco and IqAF Capt Hama land IqAF F-16IQ (D Block 52, serial 1602

[USAF photo by SrA Jordan Castelan]

‘Iranian Airpower In Iraq’ as detailed at Business Insider

The following are comments by Mark Pyruz in reference to Joel Wing’s post of 16DEC14 at the "Musings on Iraq" blog titled “Iranian Airpower In Iraq,” which was reposted at Business Insider. Joel Wing’s writing identified in italicized blockquotes, followed by commentary:

Iranian planes supported an Iraqi military operation to retake two villages from the Islamic State (ISF) in Diyala. In the middle of November Iraqi Security Forces, militias, and the peshmerga started a campaign to retake Jalawla and Sadiya in northeast Diyala, which was completed on November 23. During that period Al Jazeera filmed an Iranian F-4 Phantom jet flying over the area. According to an Iranian military expert, Tehran was carrying out air missions there from November 18-23 using F-5 and F-4 jets, and UAVs. The planes were said to be flying out of Kermanshah air base in Iran.

COMMENTARY: Mr. Wing cites an article at Zawya.com in identifying Kermanshah as the airbase used by IRIAF for strikes against ISIL in northeast Diyala Governate.

The air facility at Kermanshah is Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani Airport (KSH / OICC). This facility maintains a civilian airport and Iran Army Aviation base for rotary wing aircraft. It is possible IRIAF is using this facility as a forward air base for combat missions in support of allied forces in Iraq.

Iran is providing training to Iraqi pilots on Su-25s, and MiG-23s and 29s at the Kermanshah air base. The Iraqi Air Force is undermanned and lacks fighter jets and trained pilots.

COMMENTARY: Mr. Wing uses the same source at Zawya.com in providing these details. It should be pointed out that IRIAF and IRGC-AF do not possess Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 aircraft and would not be capable of providing training for this type. Moreover, the air facility at Kermanshah would not be ideal for the training of Iraqi pilots.

Were Iraqi pilots to be trained by IRGC-QF on Sukhoi Su-25 CAS aircraft, a much more suitable location would be the IRGC-AF fighter squadron base at Shiraz.

Likewise a more suitable IRIAF training base for the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 would be Tabriz/Shaheed Fakouri TAB-2, or Tehran/Mehrabad TAB-1.

These discrepancies serve to undermine related aspects of Mr. Wing’s piece.

In addition to the Al Jazeera segment, additional footage of IRIAF McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II fighter-bombers in action over Iraq has surfaced on social media. Below are video stills and the complete video segment posted 07DEC14 on YouTube:

Still from video claiming to depict Nov. 2014 airstrike by IRIAF F-4E Phantom II fighter-bombers, engaging in combat mission over Sa'adiya, Iraq.

Subsequent still from video claiming to depict Nov. 2014 airstrike by IRIAF F-4E fighter-bombers. Proximity of allied Shia militia fighting forces suggests close air support (CAS), possibly utilizing GBUs.

Complete video segment depicting claimed IRIAF airstrike at at Sa'adiya, Iraq

Also of interest is this CBS News video broadcast 16DEC14, titled "Iraqis come to U.S. for F-16 jets and training." Complete segment can be seen HERE.

Responding to a question, an IqAF pilot states he is ready to fly combat missions in defense of Iraq against ISIL. By the number of Arizona ANG F-16C/D aircraft visible at Tucson Air National Guard Base, it does appear these Iraqi pilots could potentially be provided with available F-16s for combat missions against ISIL, were a political decision be made in Washington. This in addition to the few F-16IQ aircraft now delivered to Tuscon ANGB, or in flight trials at NAS Forth Worth JRB.

Ex-Iraqi Su-20/22 and future Iraqi F-16IQ aircraft

Above: undated photo posted on social media depicting four ex-Iraqi Sukhoi Su-20/22 "Fitter" airframes receiving technical attention at the left-situated Pars Aviation Service Company MRO hangar located at Mehrabad (THR / OIII) in Iran.

(Pars Aviation Service Company is part of IRGC-ASF and subject to sanctions imposed by UNSC resolution 1747.)

Three of the Fitter aircraft are painted in yellow undercoats with one retaining its camo scheme. Aviation writer Babak Taghvaee has identified a Su-20 (IrAF serial 1182)and Su-24UM2K being utilized for parts reclamation-- such as landing gear and movable outer wing segments-- for IRIAF re-serial 3-6906.

Babak Taghvaee has a recent article on Iranian Su-20/22 aircraft published in the January 2014 edition of Combat Aircraft Magazine. Titled "Back from the brink: Iranian ‘Fitters", it details the odyssey of Iraq's Fitters as they escaped to Iran during the Gulf War, and the subsequent history of these aircraft in Iranian possession. To read the article: page 1, click HERE, page 2, click HERE.

The aircraft depicted in the above photo encompass a scheduled Iranian effort to overhaul, upgrade and attain FMC rating for a dozen airframes, to reform 71st TFS at Shiraz/Shahid Dowran TAB-7. Unclear if perhaps in the future, these aged fighter-bombers will be performing CAS missions over Iraq against ISIL.

Above: Airwingspotter photograph of Lockheed Martin F-16 IQ (C Block 52), taken 24NOV14 at NAS Fort Worth JRB.

As the first three F-16IQ units are D Block 52 (serials 1601-1603) and scheduled for delivery to Tuscon in December, this must be unit four (serial 1607).

These aircraft were originally scheduled for delivery to Balad Air Base (OR9 / ORBD) but USG decided to deliver to Tuscon AZ instead, due to ISIL advances made as a result of their 2014 Northern Iraq Offensive. According to Pentagon spokesman Col. Steven Warren:

“We are going to deliver three F-16s to Tucson in December… then one per month after that through May for a total of eight F-16s. We expect the Iraqi pilots will begin flying their own aircraft for continuation training beginning in January…. All maintenance for the F-16s will be provided by [contracted] logistic support…. So they’re continuing their training, but instead of training using U.S. training aircraft they will now use their own aircraft in Tucson.” [source: Defense Industry Daily]

Lockheed Delivers First Iraqi F-16

Lockheed Martin will delivere the first of 36 F-16 Block 52 aircraft to the Iraqi Air Force during a ceremony on Monday at its Fort Worth facility. The F-16s are being built in a configuration tailored to meet the specific requirements of the Iraqi Air Force, and the contract includes mission equipment and a support package.

“Iraq joins 27 other nations around the world who depend on the F-16 Fighting Falcon to maintain peace and security,” said Orlando Carvalho, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “We are proud to play a role in the defense of a new democracy and look forward to strengthening our partnership with Iraq.” (Lockheed Martin/defencetalk, 8 June)

F-16, a fourth generation multi-role fighter, has a reputation as the safest and most effective aircraft in its class. More than 4,540 F-16 aircraft have been delivered in the past 40 years, and production is expected to continue through 2017. Major upgrade have been incorporated in the F-16 being produced now.

Photo credit: Iraq’s first F-16 Fighting Falcon on display at Lockheed Martin’s facility; Fort Worth, Texas. 8 June 2014. (Martin Lockheed/defencetalk)

Iraqi Air Force F-16

The First Iraqi Air Force F-16 makes its inaugural flight from Lockheed Martin’s assembly plant in Fort Worth, Texas. This is the first of 36 F-16s ordered by the Iraqis.

F-16s has built a reputation for being a versatile 4th generation multi-role fighter. Lockheed has delivered 4,540 F-16s to date. Its production line is expected to continue through 2017.

Photo credit: Iraqi Air Force F-16 fighter making its inaugural flight. Fort Worth, Texas; 7 May 2014. (Lockheed Martin/Intercepts)

Iraq says it needs F-16 and drone deliveries now

 

Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 52 two seater and single seater aircraft (Hellenic Air Force) 

(photo: Defense Industry Daily) 

According to Reuters:

The Baghdad government wants the immediate delivery of U.S. drones and F-16 fighter jets in order to combat al Qaeda insurgents, who are making swift advances in the west of the Iraq, a senior Iraqi security official said.

Washington agreed in August to supply a $2.6 billion integrated air defense system and F-16 fighter jets, with delivery due in autumn 2014.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who will meets U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington next week, has also requested drones to carry out surveillance of Iraq's desert border with Syria.

But Deputy National Security Adviser Safa al-Sheikh Hussein said Iraq needs them now.

"The first thing the Prime Minister will ask for is to accelerate the processes for the shipment of drones and F-16s," said Safa al-Sheikh Hussein in an interview with Reuters.

"The initial response from the U.S. was positive, but it depends on the delivery time. We want them immediately."

Iraqi pilots have been engaged in training sessions at Laughlin AFB in Texas. Iraqi sources indicate they have pilots capable of flying the F-16, with service technicians receiving training in Jordan. 

American sources counter that Iraq will not be able to enforce national air sovereignty before 2016 at the very earliest – and a number of analysts still believe it will be several years later than that. [source: Defense Industry Daily]

IrAF orders consist of thirty F-16IQ (C Block 52) multirole fighter aircraft and six F-16IQ (D Block 52) conversion trainer aircraft. The 1st delivery of 2 planes scheduled for September 2014, with at least 2 arriving every month thereafter. All 36 ordered fighters are expected to arrive by the end of 2015. [source: Defense Industry Daily]

Iraqi Kurds have been politically opposed to Baghdad receiving F-16 combat aircraft while Maliki remains prime minister, fearful of a greater tilt toward Baghdad in the country's sectarian balance of power. [source: Kurd.net]

Since the onset of the neighboring conflict in Syria, Iraq has sustained spillover, in the form of an alarming spike in terrorist attacks, most committed by Al Qaeda or its affiliates.

 

Above: USAF Col. Andrew MacDonald assists Iraq Air Force Brig. Gen. Abdulhussein Lafta Ali Ali buckle into an F-16D "Viper" for an orientation flight at Tucson International Airport, Aug. 30, 2012. MacDonald is the 162nd Operations Group commander. Abdulhussein, with a delegation of senior Iraqi military officers, visited the international F-16 training wing where Iraqi pilots are learning to fly the multirole fighter. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Gabe Johnson) [source: Mohammed Abdul Rahman, Ak News and Ekurd.net]

U.S. suspends F-16 deliveries to Egypt

Above: Four F-16C deliveries seen last April on their way to Egypt (the fifth going to Greece) 

From the New York Times:

President Obama, in his first punitive response to the ouster of Mohamed Morsi as president of Egypt, has halted the delivery of four F-16 fighter planes to the Egyptian Air Force.

The warplanes are part of a deal the United States and Egypt reached in 2009 for the delivery of 20 F-16 C/D fighters during 2013. The first batch of aircraft was delivered in January, with more scheduled for this summer and another delivery late this year.

The decision was described by some Pentagon officials as carefully calibrated to signal American displeasure but not go so far as to rupture the relationship or put Egypt’s security at risk.

These are F-16C/Ds Block 52 aircraft downgraded in relation to Israel's F-16s, such as being armed with AIM-7P Sparrow systems as opposed to more current active-homing AIM-120 AMRAAMs.

This is not the first time F-16 deliveries have been adversely affected by political developments. Iran's large order of F-16s was cancelled following the Iranian revolution, and more recently Venezuelan F-16 aircraft have been rendered with servicing difficulties due to a U.S. arms embargo on the country. (There have even been rumors Iran's IAIO has made attempts of assistance, having considerable experience in servicing U.S. military aircraft without American manufacturer support.)

Iraq is anxiously awaiting delivery of their F-16 F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft. The 1st delivery of 2 planes is scheduled for September 2014, with at least 2 arriving every month thereafter. The expectation is for all 36 ordered fighters to arrive by the end of 2015. However, like Egypt's F-16s, the Iraqi F-16's are also downgraded in relation to those delivered to Israel's air force. Within the past week, Iraq stated it had no way of interdicting arms being ferried to Syria over its airspace, which could be seen as a big hint it hopes for the F-16 deal to actually materialize and also perhaps to enable political cover in Washington for deliveries to become a reality.

File photo: Joad Toste at Airliner.net

Turkish Air Force Receives Last of F-16s

The Turkish Air Force today received the last of the F-16 fighter jets produced by Lockheed Martin and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The joint F-16 production program started in 1984 and it has produced 308 of the fighter jets for the Turkish Air Force. (Hürriyet Daily News, 12 December)

Photo credit: Turkish F-16s (Hürriyet)

Israeli Air Drills in Greece – Asr-e Iran

Asr-e Iran, an Iranian news site, reported today that the Israeli air force is conducting air exercises in Greece to mimic an attack on Iran. 10 Israeli F-16s have repeatedly flown the 350-km distance between Athens and Larissa during day and night and conducted air raid exercises. (Asr-e Iran, 1 November)