Iraq seeks to buy fighter jets from US

JET DEAL: A picture released by the US Airforce shows an F-16 preparing to take off. (AFP)

Iraq's government wants to buy 36 advanced F-16 fighters from the United States, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday, citing US military officials.

Such a purchase would help reduce Baghdad's reliance on US air power and possibly clear the way for the withdrawal of more US troops, the paper said.

US officials have previously maintained that the United States would have to keep fighter aircraft and helicopters in Iraq even after American combat troops leave.

But even if the deal was approved, countries in the region would likely be concerned with Baghdad's fledgling government having control of such sophisticated arms, the paper added.

Iraq has said it plans to buy about $10 billion of US military hardware, including tanks and armored vehicles and transport aircraft.

The report of more possible arms deals come as Iraqi and US officials negotiate a sensitive security agreement governing the long-term withdrawal of US forces from the country.

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