Iraq builds an air force with South Korean T-501Q fighters

Baghdad and South Korea signed a $1.1 bn deal Thursday for twenty-four T-501Q multi-role light fighters from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to be delivered to the Iraqi air force between 2015 and 2016. The fighter is equipped with precision-guided weapons, missiles and machine guns. A further $1 bn deal in 2014 will provide Iraq with parts, equipment and pilot training for 20 years. This is the biggest arms export order South Korea has ever signed.