Iraq to receive air defense batteries from South Korea in early 2026

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani discussed with the South Korean Minister of Defense and Minister of Armament Systems on Wednesday the development of cooperation, particularly in the field of armaments. The visiting delegation affirmed the continuation of work and coordination to deliver air defense system batteries to Iraq early next year, 2026.

This came during Al-Sudani’s reception of South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Jeop-bak and his accompanying delegation, which included Minister of Armament Systems Seok Jun-kyun, in the presence of the South Korean ambassador to Iraq.

According to a statement from Al-Sudani’s office received by Shafaq News Agency, at the beginning of the meeting, Al-Sudani congratulated the visiting delegation on the occasion of South Korea’s National Day and the founding of the army. He emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and advancing them to more advanced levels, particularly through the exchange of official visits and preparations for the resumption of joint committee meetings between the two countries soon.

According to the statement, Al-Sudani pointed out Iraq’s keenness to develop cooperation, particularly in the field of armaments, indicating that the government has a plan and program for this issue and its priorities, which are included in the agreements signed between the two countries, and is working to develop it by adopting the latest technologies in the defense program and the air defense system.

The Prime Minister emphasized that “bilateral relations must be comprehensive, especially in light of the development and reconstruction campaigns taking place in Iraq,” expressing his hope that “the number of reputable South Korean companies operating in the country and across various sectors will double.”

The statement noted that “the visiting minister conveyed the greetings of the President of the Republic of South Korea to the Prime Minister, and his desire to develop cooperation. He affirmed the continuation of work and coordination to deliver air defense system batteries to Iraq early next year, in accordance with the government’s strategic visions, including Iraq Vision 2050 and the Development Road Project. This has reflected positive and influential impressions in South Korea and in many countries around the world regarding Iraq’s progress and prosperity.”

Shafaq.com