Sticker Shock: Iraqi F-16s $165 Million Each

[gambit]

The one trick pony did its one trick it was designed to do unlike the FB-111 which was designed as a fighter but ended up as bomber with an "F" in its name

The F-111 was indeed the wrong aircraft for all the services, but it was more maneuverable than people thought and much more flexible than the MIG-25 was. I was on the F-111 for four years: D/E/F/EF. When the F-111 retired, the Kremlin breathed a bit easier.

 

[gambit]

But hey! At least one Foxbat did shoot down a Hornet

One and that was unconfirmed and that somehow proved the MIG-25 is superior to the F-18? Lucky shots do happen in war.

I don't know, but don't you think the $165 million/F-16 is kinda inflated? Note, the F-16s the Iraqis would get are of blk 52 standard. Nothing too special about them.
Iraq F-16 Deal Welcome Boost for Lockheed - Defense News

One influential and well traveled banker once told me that that the USA do force the Arabs to buy their equipment to some extent. The arms manufacturing sector is one of the few viable export oriented industries in the US now. The Middle East is a huge market for American weapons. Would this apply to the Iraqis as well?

Hell, even the standard issue rifle for the ANA is the M-16. Why go for M-16 if the AK-47 is already a capable rifle? Sure there maybe advantages, but it is a waste of money, better if it was spent elsewhere. The question is: were the Afghans 'insisted' to buy those M-16s?
US to Equip Afghan Army with M-16s

Regarding the Iraqi F-16 deal, I think it was perhaps partly due to lack of competition during the tender. During the tender in Korea, even the F-35 was offered for $120 million according to government sources
http://www.defence.pk/forums/military-forum/121130-russia-seeks-sell-stealth-jets-korea-13.html

That's because of the competition.

Iraq Seeks F-16 Fighters

Iraq Seeks F-16 Fighters
Sep 28, 2011 19:04 EDT

The F-16 is not Iraq’s only option. France is offering Mirage F1s, and DJ Elliott reports that the Iraqis may also be looking at a 3rd option: China & Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder. The JF-17 fills the same lower cost, non-interfering seller requirement as the Mirages, but offers a more modern aircraft than the Mirage F1, from an Islamic vendor.

The Iraqi military is moving away from being a tool of the current figure in power and more towards being an apolitical and professional organization. Just as the Iraqi government honored Saddam's oil contracts to China and others, the current Iraqi government can buy from the Europeans and the Chinese if desired.

 

[SQ8]

Considering the Raytheon will have to refmake 40 year old Aim-7's as part of the deal.
This folks, is a prime example of a ripoff.
Still, they will be better than anything the perceived enemy can throw at Iraq.
The US wants us to think that they dont know who the perceived enemy is, but we know they know, and they know we know that they know, everybody knows.

 

[Kyusuibu Honbu]

$20 million more , Iraq can get F-35s

 

[untitled]

Considering the Raytheon will have to refmake 40 year old Aim-7's as part of the deal.
This folks, is a prime example of a ripoff

No AMRAAMS for Iraq?

 

[monitor]

$20 million more , Iraq can get F-35s

certainly . Iraq does not have any threat that they cannot wait for a better fighter . they should have ordered F-35 for their air force

 

[SQ8]

No AMRAAMS for Iraq?

Nope.. block-52's will be firing Aim-7's..
although egypt too is in this dilemma.. thanks to Israel.

 

[POPS]

Sir iraqi netas are no different to our netas

 

[PERSIAN GOD KING]

How much will they sell their f-22 if they did lol.

 

[BelligerentPacifist]

Nope.. block-52's will be firing Aim-7's..
although egypt too is in this dilemma.. thanks to Israel.

Doesn't that preemptively preclude any JF-17 sales alongith the SD-10to Egypt? Or expecting trouble if we did.

 

[GHOST RIDER]

Iraqi Air Force Brigadier General Ali Al-Aaragy enters a 63rd Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon
General al Aaragy is a veteran F-1 Mirage fighter pilot for the Saddam Airforce.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Blood suckers what can you say 165 million per plane is crazy money

 

[LeGenD]

Iraq needs weapons to protect its borders. Be they expensive or cheap.

Also, the cost of western weapons would be high in current times of economic crises.

 

[Ghareeb_Da_Baal]

What block are these?

Chouna block...........................