Two Iraqi Air Force (IqAF) MI-17 helicopters recently returned from Amman, Jordan after undergoing modifications and upgrades critical to IqAF operations.  

The IqAF accomplished the helicopter upgrades by establishing a team with members from Jordan, Germany, the U.S. and Iraq. The helicopter upgrades were necessary to enhance the multi-role capabilities of the IqAF and to support the mission of counter terrorism.

The upgrades improved the on-board Missile Launch Detection System and Flare Dispenser, and the Internal Communications System (ICS).

The acceptance testing team consisted of members from IqAF Headquarters in Baghdad, IqAF Squadron 15, the Coalition’s 721st Air Expeditionary Advisor Squadron (AEAS) from Taji, and the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force (ITAM-AF) from Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq (MNSTC-I).

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Douglas Goodlin, director of operations, 721st AEAS, said he was impressed with the multi-national effort involved in getting the IqAF the much-needed Missile Warning System for Mi-17 helicopters.

“It was an impressive effort to get these aircrafts tested and flown back to Iraq in good order,” Goodlin added. “You had U.S. pilots and crewmembers, Iraqi pilots and crewmembers, U.S. and Iraqi maintenance personnel, Iraqi headquarters contracting personnel, ARINC American contractors, Jordanian contractors and workers and the personnel at U.S.Marka International Airport.”

IqAF Lt. Col. Jasem Mohammed, an instructor pilot, said, “The new ICS system will improve greatly coordination inside the aircraft between pilots and the rest of the crew, while the improved flare system will protect the aircraft against enemy threats.”

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christopher Saffel, 721st ammo advisor added, “The new AAR-60 Missile Warning Countermeasure System loaded with M206 IR aerial flares is head and shoulders above previous Mi-17 Countermeasure Systems.  The automatic setting reduces need for visual confirmation of threats and allows for immediate countermeasure deployment to defeat detected threat.”

In fulfillment of the U.S.-Iraq Security Agreement, MNSTC-I, ITAM-AF will continue to train and advise the IqAF to develop a capable-and-responsive force, properly organized, trained and equipped to sustain the growing responsibilities of the IqAF.