The historical development of the Iraqi Air Force (IQAF) and Iraqi aviation is a complex narrative of rapid expansion into a regional power, catastrophic wartime losses, and a modern reconstruction supported by Western technology.

Foundations and Early Independence (1931–1958)

Military aviation in Iraq began with the establishment of the Royal Iraqi Air Force in 1931. During its early decades, the force focused on internal security and establishing basic flight infrastructure under British influence. This era ended in 1958 with the transition to the Iraqi Air Force (Al Quwwa al-Jawwiya al-Iraqiya) following the nation's move to a republican government.

The Soviet Era and Regional Power (1960s–1980s)

During the Cold War, Iraq pivoted toward the Soviet Union for its primary combat needs while participating in regional Arab defense pacts with nations like Egypt and Syria.

• 1970s Growth: By 1974, the IQAF had grown to roughly 10,500 personnel and 218 combat aircraft, featuring Soviet-made Tu-16 bombers, MiG-21 interceptors, and Su-7 fighter-bombers. The USSR also provided advanced SA-6 Gainful surface-to-air missiles. By 1980, personnel grew to 38,000 with 332 combat aircraft.
• Tactical Expansion: The Iraqi Army Aviation Command was established in 1980 to provide dedicated rotary-wing support.
• Technological Milestones: Development of uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAVs) began during the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988). By the late 1980s, the force was one of the largest in the Gulf, stocked with high-technology aircraft such as the MiG-29, Su-24, and Dassault Mirage F1.

Conflict and Decline (1991–2003)

The IQAF's potential was severely diminished during the 1991 Persian Gulf War.

• Gulf War Attrition: Iraqi airpower played a very limited role during the conflict. To avoid destruction, over 100 aircraft escaped to Iran, while a similar quantity was destroyed on the ground or in air engagements.
• No-Fly Zones: Throughout the 1990s, the force was restricted by international sanctions and no-fly zones, leading to a steady decline in serviceability and training. In 2003, following the U.S.-led invasion, the air force was effectively dissolved.

Reconstruction and Modern Counter-Insurgency (2004–2022)

Following 2003, the air force underwent a total structural rebuild, adopting new Western-standard insignia in 2011 and 2019.

• Western Integration: Iraq began acquiring U.S. equipment, induction of F-16C/IQ Fighting Falcons started in 2014 to provide a credible air defense and strike capability.
• ISIS Conflict: The Iraqi military faced a major crisis in 2014 during the rise of ISIS, resulting in the fall of Mosul and the routing of several divisions. The air force became a primary tool for the liberation effort, relying heavily on F-16s and AC-208 Combat Caravans for precision strikes.
• Capacity Building: Despite improvements, the force remained largely dependent on the U.S. and coalition partners for training, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) support, and contractor maintenance through the early 2020s.

Modern Status and Future Outlook (2023–2026)

As of the mid-2020s, Iraq is focused on self-sufficiency and fleet expansion.

• Strategic Growth: In 2023, the Iraqi defense budget received a 46% uplift to approximately $10.3 billion, intended to fund delayed acquisitions. This includes the possible procurement of Dassault Rafale or Chinese JF-17 Thunder fighters.
• Training and Education: The Air Force College was reopened in 2023 at a refurbished base southeast of Baghdad to bolster indigenous pilot training.
• Inventory (2025–2026):
  • Combat Aircraft: The fleet includes 26 F-16C/IQ, 25 Su-25 "Frogfoots," and 2 AC-208 armed ISR aircraft.
  • Army Aviation: Iraq operates a robust rotary wing command including Mi-28, Mi-35, and Bell 407 helicopters, with H225M and Bell 505 units on order.
• Operational Role: The IQAF remains a critical node in regional security, though it faces a dilemma between Arab/Gulf integration and the lingering influence of the Iranian axis. Currently, Iraqi air assets provide essential border security and strikes against remaining terrorist pockets.