Al-Zaydi inspects “Iraq’s Sky Shield”: “No aggression from our airspace, nor any breach of it.”
Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Faleh al-Zaidi visited the Air Defense Command Operations Center late Wednesday night to monitor the readiness of Iraqi airspace protection systems, coinciding with preparations for the end of the international coalition forces’ mission and the planned withdrawal on September 30. Dailynews reports
The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a statement that Al-Zaydi was briefed on the reality of the air defense system and its tasks in protecting the country’s skies, and listened to a briefing presented by the Air Defense Commander regarding the deployment of units, control of operational sectors, and plans to develop capabilities during the next phase.
According to the statement, the briefing addressed the air defense capability building plan for the years 2026-2031, which includes the development of radar detection and monitoring systems, weapons, command and control, leading to the construction of an integrated air defense system.
The visit comes at a time when Iraqi forces are preparing for the post-international coalition phase, with a government focus on strengthening the army’s capabilities and air defense systems to fully assume responsibility for protecting the airspace and national sovereignty.
Al-Zaydi said during his meeting with air defense leaders and officers that “air defense represents the shield of Iraq’s skies and the first line of defense for its sovereignty,” stressing that building capable armed forces is a fundamental pillar in strengthening the country’s ability to make its political and military decisions independently.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces directed that the needs of the Air Defense Command be met, its combat and technological readiness levels be raised, and the requirements for developing systems capable of protecting Iraqi airspace be provided.
Al-Zaydi stressed that Iraq “will not allow its airspace to be violated or its security to be compromised by any party whatsoever,” while also emphasizing that Iraqi territory or airspace will not be allowed to be used as a launching pad for any attack on neighboring countries.
Shafaq.com