Multiple factors are affecting the Iraqi Security Forces’ ability to maintain the fight against ISIS, a US defence audit revealed.
According to the Operation Inherent Resolve Lead Inspector General quarterly report by the US Department of Defense, the Iraqi Army Aviation Command (IAAC) is facing multiple challenges to effectively sustain operations despite a large capability improvement over the past years.
The IAAC, the report stated, is directly affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine due to the inability to access spare parts for their Russian-designed Mi-17 helicopters, as most spare parts are going to support Russian military efforts in Ukraine.
Despite that, the Iraqi Air Force’s fixed-wing Russian platforms have not been affected by parts availability due to the conflict, but have experienced shipping delays caused by elevated priority for Ukraine-bound shipments.
The IAAC, the report showed, submitted Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund (CTEF) requests to CJTF-OIR to support both aircraft and airfield equipment modernization. The coalition however does not provide an aviation support program.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the Coalition delivered 250 guided rockets for IAAC helicopters in November that were supplied through the CTEF.
The report furthermore reports that the Iraqi Army Aviation Command lacks the ability to forecast required aircraft maintenance over the long term, which affects its ability to acquire repair parts, petroleum, oil, and lubricants before those items are needed.
This was evidenced by the fact that the Iraqi EC-635 helicopter fleet was grounded between October and December due to a backorder of tail-rotor gearbox oil.
CENTCOM said that as of December 2022, the oil was in Kuwait awaiting shipment to the Air Command.
FLEET MODERNIZATION
The report revealed that the US has been working with the Iraqi Ministry of Defence to convert the entire IAAC fleet to US-produced aircraft in order to simplify parts acquisition, maintenance, and training.
Foreign Military Sales requests submitted by Iraq to modernize the Iraqi helicopter fleet are now with the US government for action.
The requests include, 15 new Bell 505 training helicopters to replace the Iraqi Security Foces’ aging Bell 407 and OH-58 training fleet. 15 new Bell 407M light attack helicopters, to replace the ISF’s aging 407 fleet, as well as 4 Bell 412EPX and 16 Bell 412M medium-lift helicopters to replace the Russian-made Mi-17 fleet due to the inability to acquire spare parts.
Requests were also presented for a contracted logistics support package from Eurocopter to provide comprehensive parts, materials, and field service representative support to include over-the-shoulder technical support, training, and advising. Also, a contractor logistics support package from Bell, including comprehensive parts, material, and field service representative support will replace the existing Bell support case and will cover all Bell airframes.
HARD LANDING
The report showed an ongoing investigation involving technical issues with Bell 407 helicopters.
It states that an Iraqi Bell 407 helicopter experienced a hard landing in November 2022. CENTCOM reported at the request of engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce, the findings of the IAAC’s crash report, were reviewed and found that the device used to regulate the aircraft engine, known as a governor, failed, subsequently leading to engine failure.
CENTCOM explained that if this is confirmed, there will likely be a stand-down of the ISF’s Bell 407 helicopter fleet to inspect all engines.