Iraq buys second-hand fighter jets from Russia, Belarus
Iraq has bought used fighter jets from Russia and Belarus after long delays in the delivery of F-16 planes from the US.
Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri Maliki told BBC that Iraq had bought Sukhoi fighter jets that would be delivered within several days. Maliki blamed the U.S.'s "long, very slow way" for delaying the delivery of 36 aircraft.
Maliki said the used planes are from Russia and Belarus but did not elaborate on what types of fighter jets had been bought.
Media reports in September 2012 that Iraq considered signing a contract worth $4.3 billion to supply military equipment from Russia. The contract also envisages the delivery of MI-28 helicopters in various configurations, Sukhoi and MIG fighter jets, armored vehicles and air-defense systems.
Photo: АР
