70th Squadron (Iraq)

The 70th Squadron is one of two reconnaissance squadrons of the Iraqi Air Force. It is based at Basra International Airport. The other reconnaissance unit is the 3rd Squadron based at Kirkuk Air Base.

70th Squadron, Iraqi Air Force
Activeunknown–2003
July 2004 – present[1]
CountryIraq
BranchIraqi Air Force
RoleReconnaissance
Size12 pilots and 26 engineers (2006)[1]
BaseBasra International Airport
EngagementsBattle of Basra (2008)
Insignia
Fin Flash
Aircraft flown
Reconnaissance12 x CH2000

In September 1980, at the outbreak of the Iran–Iraq War, the squadron was a reconnaissance unit flying Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21Rs from Rashid air base in Baghdad.[2]

Reformation 2004

The squadron was reformed in July 2004. In August 2004, nine pilots and five engineers began operations, having been trained in Jordan on Seabird Seekers.[1] To assist the squadron had four coalition pilot instructors, one engineer instructor, and a systems instructor. In August 2004 the squadron flew its first mixed-crew operational mission, reporting on oil pipeline damage.

It is responsible for securing the southern Iraqi border and protecting Iraqi infrastructure.[3] It currently consists of 12 CH2000 reconnaissance/ liaison aircraft.[4] Two Seekers had been previously used by the squadron,[3][5] but now appear to have been withdrawn.

During the Iraqi Army offensive against the Mahdi Army in March 2008, the squadron flew 53 missions over Basra, providing 91 hours of intelligence and reconnaissance to Iraqi Army forces on the ground, including information about enemy troop concentration and bomb damage assessments.[6]

Notes
  1. Allen, Patrick (8 February 2006). "New Iraqi Air Force boosted by aircraft and joint operations". Jane's Defence Weekly. p. 31.
  2. Tom Cooper. "The Tomcat's First Phoenix Kill". War is Boring. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  3. Final.indd
  4. Iraqi Security Forces Order of Battle Page 3 - Long War Journal
  5. Air Force Reports- New Iraqi Air Force - MILAVIA
  6. Iraqi Air Force Executes Over 100 Missions in Support of Operation Charge - Newsblaze.com
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