Government plans to manufacture drones locally in Iraq

The spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Sabah Al-Nuaimi, confirmed on Sunday that Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Falih Al-Zaidi seeks to elevate the technical level of the security forces and enhance their capabilities, pointing out that the withdrawal of international coalition forces came after study and analysis by military leaders. Al-Nuaimi stated in a televised interview that the initiative is in the hands of the security forces and ISIS gangs pose no danger, noting that the security forces need technical specializations, and explaining that they rely on the 2027 budget to complete technical requirements. He indicated that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces seeks to elevate the technical level of the security forces and enhance their capabilities, stating that the Counter-Terrorism Service has begun keeping pace with developments in the field of cybersecurity, and explaining that the Commander-in-Chief promised to equip the Counter-Terrorism Service with aviation. He confirmed that the international coalition was providing air support while the security forces and the Popular Mobilization Forces were on the ground to fight ISIS terrorist gangs, pointing out that Operation Inherent Resolve has ended in Iraq but continues in Syria. He pointed out that the withdrawal of the international coalition came after study and analysis by military leaders, noting that the airstrikes carried out against terrorism during 2026 were Iraqi. He explained that new wars rely heavily on drones and modern technologies, confirming that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has given great attention to the armament file. He indicated that there is a strategic plan to modernize air defense systems, explaining that the Commander-in-Chief directed to reduce the duration of modernizing air defense systems. He noted the existence of a trend to manufacture drones locally in partnership with specialized companies, adding that there was no base in the Karbala desert but rather a force from the international coalition. He confirmed that the explosion that occurred at the Popular Mobilization Forces headquarters was not an external targeting, explaining that the investigation results are nearing completion. He continued that our borders with Syria are fortified with modern and advanced technologies and 100 percent secured, confirming that the security agencies are capable of protecting Iraqi national security.