ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq will receive the first delivery of an air defense system from South Korea “in the coming months,” Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbassi said on Friday as the country looks to secure its airspace amid heightened regional tensions. "We are scheduled to receive the first batch of this [air defense] system in the coming months," Abbassi said in a statement published by state media. In May, Iraq’s defense ministry announced it had signed agreements with South Korea in September 2024 to procure air defense systems. Abbassi said the ministry has a strategic plan to “secure Iraqi airspace through developing the air defense system.” He described the deals with South Korea as “a qualitative and unprecedented step in the history of the defense ministry” to “equip Iraq with an advanced and modern air defense system, capable of confronting air threats.” Baghdad faces growing pressure over allegations that Israel used Iraqi airspace to conduct strikes on Iran. Since the conflict erupted last Friday, several of Iraq’s Iran-aligned politicians and factions have called on the government to strengthen its air defenses and prevent foreign use of its skies. Following Israel’s attack last week that started the conflict, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani condemned any use of Iraqi airspace “to carry out or facilitate any acts of aggression against neighboring countries,” and said that Baghdad had submitted a formal complaint against Israel to the United Nations Security Council. On the same day, the Iran-aligned al-Sadiqoun bloc, affiliated with Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH), urged Baghdad to accelerate air defense acquisitions and prevent Israeli overflights. On Tuesday, Ali al-Daffayi, spokesperson for the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI) - part of Iraq’s ruling Shiite-led Coordination Framework - also called on the government to pursue advanced systems and said they are organizing “mass demonstrations” against Israeli attacks. In his Friday statement, Abbassi said the Iraqi military will continue to modernize and improve its arsenal. “Protecting Iraq's sky and preserving its sovereignty is not merely a slogan, but a responsibility we undertake with all seriousness, and we work for it daily,” he said.
