Republic of Iraq
Iraq serves as a critical battleground for proxy conflicts between the US-led coalition and Iran-backed militias, frequently experiencing rocket and drone attacks against US and coalition bases. Its sovereignty is often challenged by external and internal actors, making it a focal point for regional tensions.
Drones & UAVs
| Name | Type | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH-4B Rainbow | UCAV | Reconnaissance, light strike | Operational |
| ScanEagle | ISR UAV | Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance | Operational |
Air Defense Systems
| System | Type | Range | Origin | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pantsir-S1 | Short-range SAM/AAA | 20 km | Russia | Unknown, limited |
| Crotale | Short-range SAM | 11 km | France | Limited |
| SA-8 Gecko (9K33 Osa) | Short-range SAM | 12 km | Soviet Union | Limited |
| M163 VADS | Self-propelled AAA | 4 km | United States | Limited |
Air Defense Assessment
Iraq's air defense capabilities are fragmented and largely insufficient against modern aerial threats, particularly sophisticated drones and ballistic missiles. The existing systems are primarily short-range and aging, providing limited layered defense for critical infrastructure or military bases.
Strike Aircraft
| Aircraft | Type | Quantity | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-16IQ Fighting Falcon | Multi-role fighter | 34 | Air superiority, ground attack |
| L-159B/T Alca | Light attack/trainer | 10 | Close air support, reconnaissance |
| AC-208 Combat Caravan | Light attack/ISR | 3 | Close air support, intelligence |
| Su-25 Frogfoot | Ground attack | 12 | Close air support |
Naval Assets
Iraq's naval strike capability is extremely limited, primarily consisting of patrol boats for coastal defense and riverine operations. It possesses no significant blue-water navy or vessels capable of projecting power or conducting long-range missile strikes.
Key Facilities
Al-Asad Air Base
Air Base — Anbar Governorate
Major US and Coalition base, frequently targeted by Iran-backed militias. Site of Iran's direct ballistic missile attack in January 2020.
Baghdad International Airport (BIAP)
Airport/Military Base — Baghdad
Hosts US and coalition forces, frequently targeted by rocket attacks. Location of the strike that killed Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
Balad Air Base
Air Base — Saladin Governorate
Primary base for Iraq's F-16IQ fleet, also hosts US contractors and personnel, frequently targeted by rocket attacks.
Taji Military Camp
Military Base — North of Baghdad
Former major training facility for Iraqi forces, previously hosted US and coalition troops, subject to numerous rocket attacks.
K-1 Air Base
Military Base — Kirkuk Governorate
Hosted US forces, targeted by rocket attacks, leading to a US contractor's death in December 2019, escalating tensions.
Intelligence Agencies
Iraqi National Intelligence Service (INIS)
External and internal intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism, national security.
Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI)
Military intelligence, counter-espionage within the armed forces.
National Security Advisory (NSA)
Coordinates national security policy and intelligence efforts across various agencies.
Proxy Network
Iraq hosts numerous Iran-backed Shiite militias, collectively known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashed al-Shaabi). While officially integrated into the Iraqi security apparatus, many factions operate independently under Iranian influence, conducting rocket and drone attacks against US and coalition targets.
Nuclear Status
Status: NON_NUCLEAR
Iraq is a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and has no active nuclear weapons program. Its past nuclear ambitions were dismantled following the 1991 Gulf War and subsequent UN inspections.
Combat Record
Iraqi security forces have been primarily engaged in counter-insurgency operations against ISIS remnants and maintaining internal security. They also frequently respond to rocket and drone attacks launched by Iran-backed militias against US and coalition bases, often attempting to intercept or identify perpetrators.
Strategic Assessment
Threat Level: HIGH
Outlook
Iraq's military outlook remains complex, characterized by ongoing internal security challenges and its position as a proxy battleground. While efforts to modernize and professionalize its forces continue, external interference and the influence of non-state actors will likely keep the threat level high, particularly from rocket and drone attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Iraq have ballistic missiles?
No, Iraq does not possess an operational ballistic missile arsenal. Its ballistic missile programs were dismantled after the 1991 Gulf War and subsequent UN resolutions.
What air defense systems does Iraq use?
Iraq primarily operates short-range air defense systems such as the Russian Pantsir-S1, French Crotale, and older Soviet-era SA-8 Gecko systems. These provide limited protection against modern aerial threats.
Which countries support Iraq's military?
The United States and its coalition partners are the primary supporters of Iraq's military, providing training, equipment, and intelligence. Other countries like France and Russia have also supplied military hardware.
What is the role of the PMF in Iraq?
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) are a state-sponsored umbrella organization of mostly Shiite militias. While officially part of Iraq's security forces, many factions maintain strong ties to Iran and operate with a degree of autonomy, often targeting US interests.
Has Iran attacked US bases in Iraq?
Yes, Iran directly attacked Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq with ballistic missiles in January 2020 in retaliation for the killing of Qassem Soleimani. Additionally, Iran-backed militias frequently conduct rocket and drone attacks against US and coalition bases across Iraq.