Sudani chairs air defense meeting as drone incidents multiply across Iraq

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani chaired a meeting Sunday to review plans for developing Iraq’s air defense systems and assess the readiness and training levels of units responsible for protecting Iraqi airspace.

Sudani reviewed “procedures and plans to develop and modernize air defense systems” in the presence of the Army Chief of Staff and commanders from the Defense Ministry and the Military Industrialization Authority, saying the efforts are “among the priorities of the government program and Iraq’s national security security strategy.”

The meeting comes as drone-related incidents have multiplied since late February, with repeated strikes or incursions targeting military sites and energy infrastructure across several governorates. Air defenses have intercepted multiple drones, while others have fallen near or inside oil facilities without detonating. Four drones struck storage facilities at the Bazarkan oil field in Maysan on Saturday. Earlier in the week, drones struck oil facilities in Basra, sparking fires at the North Rumaila field and the Al-Majal Company site.

Iraq has moved to strengthen its air defense capabilities through international procurement. In September 2024, Baghdad signed a contract to acquire the South Korean Cheongung-II air defense system, described by officials as “one of the modern and advanced systems,” with entry into service expected in 2026.