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]