New Aero Vodochody L-159 Advanced Light Combat Aircraft for Iraqi Air Force

Yesterday took place the ceremony of the 85th anniversary of the foundation of Iraqi Air Force. Most of the types of aircraft in service participated to the air show organized on this occasion including the Aero Vodochody L-159 Advanced Light Combat Aircrafts. Two of them overflew the runway after three F-16IQs, followed by three Cessna-208 Caravans. But one L-159 was seen in static position (see photo below). This single-seater aircraft carries serial number "5905" (previous serials were "5903" and "5904"). According to AeroHisto blog sources, this delivery was not officially reported (included within IqAF pilots). On 26th March, Iraqi Air Force Commander, Gen Amin announced that second batch of L-159s would arrive in April and the third batch, three months later or less.

Last November, the first two L-159s arrived at Balad airbase. In 2014, Iraqi government signed a new agreement with Aero Vodochody for the supply of twelve L-159 light fighters.

Special thanks to Ra'is Urafa Fayli