An Iraqi military aircraft sits on a runway as more jets fly in formation overhead
US awards $252 million contract to support Iraq’s F-16 program at Balad Air Base
BAGHDAD — The U.S. Department of War has awarded Vectrus Systems LLC a $252,050,925 cost-plus fixed-fee contract to provide base support services for Iraq’s F-16 program, the Pentagon announced.
The agreement covers “base operating support, base life support, and security services,” with all work to be carried out at Martyr BG Ali Flaih Air Base — formerly Balad Air Base — north of Baghdad. The contract is scheduled for completion by Sept. 24, 2026.
The award is part of the United States’ Foreign Military Sales program to Iraq and was issued as a sole-source acquisition. The department said “Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $123,994,954 are being obligated at the time of award.”
Contracting activity is being led by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.
Iraq operates a fleet of F-16IQ fighter jets purchased through FMS, and the aircraft remain a core component of the country’s counterterrorism campaign. Iraqi F-16s routinely conduct precision strikes on ISIS remnants in rugged areas of Salah al-Din, Kirkuk, and the Hamrin mountain range, targeting hideouts, weapons stores, and communication sites used by militants.