http://www.seabirdaviationjordan.com/seeker.pdf
raqi Air Force Acquires First Aircraft
By Sgt Jared Zabaldo
Office of Security Transition
BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi Air Force purchased its first two aircraft
in Jordan June 10 as part of an infrastructure security plan to
provide surveillance capability to the growing Iraqi armed forces and
civil-security forces being trained and equipped in the country.
The two Australian-manufactured SB7L-360 Seeker reconnaissance
aircraft represent the initial acquisition of a tentative force of 16
identical aerial-observation and surveillance aircraft specifically
intended to assist in the protection of electric and oil assets and
border and coastal security. Delivery is scheduled for mid- July in
Basrah.
"This purchase represents a significant leap forward in the Iraqi's
ability to surgically find and respond to sabotage on
infrastructure," said the Office of Security Transition's,
airreconnaissance plans officer, marine Capt. Jeremy DeMott. "These
aircraft represent the rebirth of an air force that will fly in
cooperation with Coalition forces for the first time in almost two
decades."
Iraqi air force pilots will negotiate some basic training on the
aircraft with special attention directed to sensors and reporting
skills and, on deployment, will communicate suspicious activity to
the responsible Iraqi and Coalition forces on the ground. Seeker
aircraft are fitted with high resolution surveillance systems
providing live observation feedback as well as digital-video-
recording hardware and other reconnaissance technology.
The Iraqi Air Force currently stands at nearly 150 personnel with
most still in training. Plans are to grow the force to 500 by
December. The Jordanian government has tendered a gift of 16
helicopters and two C-130 aircraft to augment the force, pending
acceptance by the OST.
"The power to Destroy the planet, is insignifigant to the power of the Air Force----Mudd Vader
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