Iraq moves to acquire Turkish air defense systems after war shocks

ISTANBUL, Türkiye (MNTV) — Iraq is finalizing a deal to purchase 20 air defense systems from Türkiye as it seeks to strengthen its ability to counter drone and missile threats after being caught in the crossfire of the recent regional conflict.

A senior Iraqi defense official said the agreement, involving Turkish state-owned defense firms, is nearing completion, with financial details still being finalized following discussions at the Saha defense exhibition in Istanbul.

Lt. Gen. Saad Harbiye, Iraq’s Deputy Army Chief of Staff for Operations, said the country’s airspace had been overwhelmed by drone activity, making advanced air defense systems a critical priority. 

He said the new systems would help intercept projectiles targeting oilfields, diplomatic facilities, and other key sites.

Harbiye did not disclose the value of the deal or the specific companies involved but said Iraq chose Turkish systems due to their effectiveness and lower cost, as well as geographic proximity. 

Türkiye’s defense sector, largely overseen by its Ministry of Defense, has expanded rapidly in recent years, producing and exporting drones, missiles, and air defense technologies.

The plan to acquire Turkish air defenses predates the recent conflict, but intensified drone and missile attacks since late February have accelerated the process. 

During the war, Iraq was struck by both sides, with the United States and Israel targeting locations linked to Iran-backed armed groups, while Iran launched cross-border strikes hitting oil infrastructure, a hotel in central Baghdad housing diplomatic missions, and opposition groups in the Kurdistan region. The violence resulted in multiple casualties.

The attacks exposed vulnerabilities for Iraq, which depends heavily on oil exports and has been working to project stability after decades of conflict.

A key feature of the planned systems is their ability to counter drones more efficiently. Harbiye noted that many conventional air defense systems rely on expensive interceptor missiles, sometimes costing up to $1 million to destroy drones valued at around $10,000. 

The Turkish systems, he said, would provide a more cost-effective solution for defending Iraqi territory.

The agreement also reflects broader efforts to strengthen Iraq-Türkiye relations. Iraqi and Turkish officials discussed enhanced cooperation during the defense exhibition, including potential collaboration in cybersecurity, an area where Turkish firms are expanding capabilities. 

Harbiye met Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler on the sidelines of the event.

While Türkiye’s Defense Ministry confirmed the meeting, it did not immediately comment on the details of the deal.

The purchase comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Iran, the United States, and Israel, with uncertainty remaining over whether tensions could escalate again. Iraqi officials have emphasized their intention to avoid becoming entangled in future conflicts.

Harbiye said external actors had sought to draw Iraq into the war despite it not being directly involved, adding that all armed groups operating within the country must adhere to state authority. 

Some factions that launched attacks are formally part of Iraq’s security apparatus but are widely viewed as aligned with Iran.

In recent years, Iraq and Türkiye have worked to improve ties after longstanding disputes over Kurdish militants, water resources, and oil exports. Both sides are also pursuing economic cooperation, including a major transit corridor linking Türkiye to the Gulf.

Security coordination has also increased, particularly in efforts to prevent a resurgence of ISIS. Harbiye said remnants of the group remain in areas such as Mosul, Anbar, and Kirkuk, but their presence is limited and recent intelligence has not detected active communication among their members.