A short-range air defense system deployed on a Humvee platform at an Iraqi military base.
Media Monitor
Iraq pushes forward with ‘qualitative shift’ in defense strategy, modern weapons contracts
BAGHDAD — Iraq is moving ahead with a revamped armament strategy focused on “protecting national sovereignty” and ensuring independent military and security decision-making, according to a parliamentary Security and Defense Committee member.
“Iraq is heading for a qualitative shift in its armament strategy,” committee member Yasser Watout told the state-run Al-Sabah newspaper. “There is a growing political and popular push to shape a new armament project that ensures independent military and security decision-making and contributes to protecting national sovereignty.”
Watout said a series of key defense contracts will be implemented in 2025, with a particular focus on air defense, air force, and army aviation. He noted that Iraq is finalizing agreements with foreign defense firms to supply advanced weapons systems capable of addressing regional threats and enhancing national airspace protection.
He confirmed that Iraq will receive modern weapons this year, especially from South Korea in the air defense sector. “The government, under the direct supervision of the prime minister and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, is pushing strongly to arm and modernize the air force, army aviation, and air defense, while providing the necessary financial allocations to achieve this goal,” he said.
Watout emphasized that strengthening defense capabilities remains a national priority. “It reflects the Iraqi state’s commitment to owning a comprehensive and effective deterrent defense system that keeps pace with regional security developments.”
In September 2024, Iraq signed a $2.8 billion contract with South Korea’s LIG Nex1 to procure Cheongung-II medium-range surface-to-air missile systems, designed to intercept aircraft and incoming missiles. The first batch of these systems is expected to arrive in the coming months, according to a statement by Iraq’s defense minister in June.
The accelerated modernization effort follows a series of incidents that underscored vulnerabilities in Iraq’s air defense. In April, Baghdad filed a complaint with the United Nations Security Council after Israeli aircraft reportedly used Iraqi airspace to launch strikes on Iran. Iraqi officials said the overflights constituted a violation of national sovereignty and called on the United States to prevent further incursions.
More recently, on June 24, coordinated drone attacks targeted Iraq’s radar systems at Camp Taji, north of Baghdad, and Imam Ali Air Base in Dhi Qar governorate. The strikes occurred between 2:15 a.m. and 3:45 a.m., damaging military infrastructure but causing no casualties. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani condemned the attacks as “cowardly and treacherous” and ordered an investigation into their source.
