IRAQ AGREES TO BUY F16'S IN JOINT STATEMENT WITH U.S.

Photo:  F16.  Credit:  European Command. 
FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Joint Statement of the U.S. - Iraq Defense and Security Cooperation Joint Coordinating Committee
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC
May 24, 2012
Begin Text:
The Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq reaffirmed their commitment to a strong and long-term security partnership between the two countries at the inaugural meeting of the Defense and Security Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) of the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA), from May 22-24, 2012.

The meetings, held at the U.S. Department of Defense following a meeting between Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Acting Iraqi Minister of Defense Saadoun Al-Dlimi, were co-chaired by the Iraqi Acting Minister of Defense and by the U.S. Acting Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller, and Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy James Miller. Defense and Security is one of the eight areas of cooperation agreed upon by Iraq and the United States under the 2008 SFA to strengthen cooperation in areas of critical interest to both countries. The establishment of the Defense and Security JCC signifies both countries’ commitment to strengthen the U.S.-Iraqi strategic partnership and continue coordination and cooperation on these vital issues.

During three days of meetings, discussions were held on a number of items of mutual interest, including future sales of military equipment, joint military exercises, and Iraq’s strategy to ensure its future stability and security. In support of an enduring partnership, the United States and the Government of Iraq expanded dialogue on ways of increasing strategic cooperation that would promote stability within Iraq as well as throughout the region. The United States also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Iraq’s stability through the training, equipping, and enhancing the capacity of Iraq’s armed forces for defense against external threats and for counterterrorism.

Both sides discussed ongoing and future security assistance. In addition to an initial purchase of 18 F-16 aircraft in September 2011, during the meetings the Government of Iraq reconfirmed its interest in purchasing a second set of 18 F-16s and the United States reconfirmed its commitment to the sale. The F-16s and other military equipment will help protect Iraq’s sovereignty, meet legitimate defense needs and symbolize the long-term security partnership envisioned by both countries.

The United States commends the Iraqi Security Forces for their demonstrated capability to protect the Iraqi people and recognizes the continued sacrifice being made to ensure Iraq’s security. The Iraqi Security Forces have made great strides in stabilizing the security situation in Iraq and in facilitating Iraq’s emergence as a strategic partner that promotes and contributes to regional security.

The United States and the Government of Iraq agreed that the next meeting of the Defense and Security JCC will be hosted by Iraq in Baghdad this fall. The purpose of the second meeting will be to build upon the foundation laid out this week, and continue discussions on strengthening defense and security cooperation as part of the multifaceted relationship developed between the United States and the Government of Iraq.

F-16'S ENGAGE MIG'S OVER BULGARIA DURING THRACIAN STAR 2012

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
Col. David Walker, 31st Operations Group and Thracian Star 2012 detachment commander, and Capt. Petar Milkov, Bulgarian air force MiG-29 pilot, prepare to fly in an F-16 Fighting Falcon April 19, 2012, at Graf Ignatievo Air Force Base, Bulgaria. More than 500 people are deployed here from the 31st Fighter Wing in support of the month-long coalition training exercise aimed at increasing interoperability between NATO allies. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Katherine Windish)

F-16s, MiGs engage over Bulgarian skies 
by Senior Airman Katherine Windish
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/26/2012 - GRAF IGNATIEVO AIR BASE, Bulgaria (AFNS) -- U.S. pilots from the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons based out of Aviano Air Base, Italy, have been given a rare opportunity to train and share experiences with Bulgarian air force MiG-21 and MiG-29 pilots during their deployment here in support of Thracian Star 2012.

Since the start of the training mission on April 18, Bulgarian and American pilots have been flying together and working toward the goal of the exercise: to strengthen partnerships, increase interoperability between NATO allies and maintain a standard of excellence.

Throughout the month-long bilateral training exercise, Aviano F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots will spend more than 60 hours per week flying close air support, basic fighter and air combat maneuvers, tactical intercepts, defensive counter air and large force missions with Bulgarian MiG-21 and MiG-29 pilots.


"We are performing the same mission sets we do at home station, but we are integrating the Bulgarian pilots into the training," said Capt. Bryan Faughn, 555th FS F-16 pilot. "It gives us an opportunity to see how another country's air force works. They are a professional air force just like we are and they take pride in what they do. We are gaining experience while working with an international partner - it's a unique opportunity."

To gain better insight into both the tactics of the pilots and the capabilities of the different aircraft, pilots have gone on ride-along flights in the other country's jets.

Capt. Kirby Sanford, 555th FS F-16 pilot, was the first American pilot to get the opportunity to ride in a MiG.

"It was truly an awesome, once-in-a-lifetime experience," Sanford said about his flight. "It really highlighted the advantages of both aircraft and showcased the mindset, skills and techniques of the Bulgarians."

"Though the MiG is an older aircraft, it is still a very capable aircraft," he continued. "It just goes to show that even an older aircraft can be a formidable adversary with the right pilot."

Bulgarian air force Capt. Petar Milkov, was the first MiG-29 pilot to fly in an F-16 during Thracian Star 2012. The aircraft was piloted by Col. David Walker, 31st Operations Group and Thracian Star detachment commander.

"I was very impressed by the cockpit ergonomics, ease of flight and mission complexity," said Milkov. "This bilateral training with my American colleagues is a great chance to extend our partnership in a professional, cultural and personal manner. I also hope to enrich my personal experience and make new contacts."