Iraq Receives First Batch of Czech Military Jets

Iraq has received the first batch of Czech L-159 jets, which can be used for both training and combat, the defense ministry said on Friday.

The first two L-159s arrived at Iraq's Balad Air Base on Thursday, defense ministry spokesman Naseer Nuri told AFP.

L-159s can be equipped with munitions for both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions, with the former being the more important for Iraqi forces battling the Islamic State jihadist group.

It is the latest in a series of aircraft deliveries that have bolstered the country's air force since IS overran large parts of Iraq last June.

Iraq received four F-16 warplanes in July, the first batch of a much-delayed order for 36 aircraft.

And Baghdad obtained Sukhoi Su-25 ground attack jets last year that it has used to carry out strikes against IS.

The Czech government approved the sale of 15 L-159s -- 13 with one seat and two dual-seaters -- to Iraq last March for 750 million koruna ($30 million).

But Nuri said that the deal was for a total of 12 aircraft.