Peshmerga Ministry says coalition exit leaves Kurdistan Region without air defence

ERBIL — The Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs said the departure of U.S. and coalition forces on Sept. 30 will leave the Kurdistan Region without any air defence system during a period of regional instability, and that protecting the Region’s airspace is the federal government’s responsibility.

“The withdrawal of U.S. and coalition forces from Iraq comes at a sensitive time, particularly as the security situation in Iraq and the Middle East remains unstable and requires vigilance and sound political decision-making,” the ministry said, noting that the withdrawal followed an agreement between Baghdad, Washington and coalition partners. The Region had faced more than 1,000 drone and ballistic missile attacks during the fighting between the United States and Iran in recent months, some hitting civilian areas and causing deaths and injuries, it said, and leaving it “without providing any defense system is a cause for concern.” Its airspace is part of Iraq’s federal airspace and defending it is primarily Baghdad’s job, the ministry said, adding that the Peshmerga would keep coordinating with the Iraqi army.

The Region has tried to buy its own systems. In November 2025 a British anti-drone system delivered to the Khor Mor gas field could not be used because Britain would not accept KRG-issued end-user certificates and Baghdad refused to issue one, according to Aziz Ahmad, deputy chief of staff to Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

Barzani raised the same concerns with the Financial Times. His office said on Sunday the newspaper had not conveyed his remarks accurately or objectively and had included the writer’s own interpretations. According to his office, he told the paper the withdrawal was happening at a “very sensitive” time, that the Region had faced more than 1,000 rocket and drone attacks and that leaving it without defences was a concern, while stressing that the Region values its alliance with the United States, seeks balanced relations with neighbours including Iran and does not want to be a party to regional conflicts or a launchpad for threats.

Coalition aircraft shot down 10 bomb-laden drones over Erbil governorate on Sept. 2. Iraq says it expects air defence systems from South Korea, Turkey and the United States but has given no delivery dates. The coalition has handed over its bases and headquarters, and Iraqi officials say no combat or training forces will remain after Sept. 30. Its financial support for the Peshmerga ended last week, days after the Region declared the unification of its forces complete.