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International coalition forces have not carried out any missions inside Iraq since the beginning of 2026, Iraqi Air Force Commander Khalid al-Tamimi said on Monday, according to the Iraqi News Agency.
His comments came two days before the coalition’s mission in Iraq is scheduled to end on September 30.
“No force from the coalition has carried out any duty inside Iraqi territory from the beginning of 2026 until now,” Tamimi said. “All missions currently carried out by the Air Force are independent of coalition forces, and there is no direct support from them.”
Iraq expands independent air capabilities
Tamimi said the Iraqi Air Force was developing an integrated network of workshops, facilities and warehouses. He added that maintenance of Iraq’s F-16 fighter jets was being conducted “100% by Iraqi personnel”.
Some engine-repair work still has to be referred to “Pratt & Whitney”, the US aerospace manufacturer, he said, while Iraqi crews carry out part of the repairs domestically.
Negotiations are also progressing on the purchase of “Rafale” fighter jets. The first batch under discussion comprises 14 aircraft, Tamimi said, without identifying the other party involved in the talks.
He added that “Rafale” aircraft stationed in Jordan participate in monthly exercises with the Iraqi Air Force. A drill planned in France this year was postponed because of the war in the region.
Air surveillance and drone command plans
Iraq’s air-defence systems provide radar coverage across the country, while fighter jets equipped with air-to-air missiles and their pilots remain on daily standby, according to Tamimi.
“We conduct a full daily aerial scan of all Iraq,” he said, adding that reports are sent to the office of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces through the army chief of staff.
The Iraqi Air Force is also seeking to develop domestic manufacturing capabilities. A proposal to establish a separate command for drones is under consideration, although work in that area remains at an early stage, Tamimi said.
ISIS threat described as very limited
Tamimi said sleeper cells of the “ISIS” terrorist group remained in remote and rugged areas, but described the current threat as “very limited”, citing public vigilance and the capabilities of Iraqi forces.
The Iraqi Air Force conducted 58,822 missions during the war against “ISIS”, including transport, reconnaissance and other operations, as well as support for ground forces and strikes on the group’s positions.
Separately, Tamimi said an “Antonov” transport aircraft had been withdrawn from service after being hit by a missile at a base in Baghdad. He did not specify when the incident occurred or who was responsible.
Baghdad and Washington agreed in September 2024 to end the military mission of the US-led international coalition in Iraq and move towards bilateral security partnerships. The arrangements are intended to support Iraqi forces and maintain pressure on “ISIS” to prevent its resurgence.
The US-led coalition was established in September 2014 to fight “ISIS” and supported Iraqi forces during the campaign against the group. After “ISIS” lost its territorial control in Iraq in 2017, the coalition’s role shifted largely towards advising, assisting and strengthening Iraqi security capabilities.
