Following the withdrawal of international coalition forces against ISIS, Iraq will soon deploy modern air defense systems. These developments reflect Baghdad's serious commitment to enhancing national security and protecting the country's airspace.
New Contracts for Air Defense
According to military officials, Iraq has finalized important contracts for the purchase of air defense systems, and the first shipments are expected to arrive soon. Sabah al-Nu'man, military spokesman for the Prime Minister, stated at a press conference: "The modernization of Iraq's air defense is now recognized as the top priority in the arms procurement process." He added: "We are very close to receiving air defense systems from reputable sources."
These systems will include equipment purchased from the United States, South Korea, and Turkey, and will be utilized to protect the country's oil facilities and critical infrastructure.
Coalition Withdrawal Date and Security Situation Assessment
While September 30 has been announced as the end of the international coalition's mission, al-Nu'man emphasized the non-negotiable nature of this timeline and regarded it as a sign of Iraq's political will. He added: "This timeline is fixed and reflects the capabilities of Iraq's security forces in protecting national sovereignty."
He also referred to the rapid progress in the withdrawal of foreign forces, stating: "We are witnessing an acceleration in the withdrawal of foreign forces every day." In his view, ISIS is no longer a threat to Iraq, although remnants of the group are still active and security forces are continuously pursuing them.
As Operation 'Resolute Determination' comes to an end in Iraq, there is a possibility of its continuation in other parts of the region. This development signifies fundamental changes in Iraq's defense and security policies and the challenges it will face in the future.
