Iraq participated for the first time in the Seoul ADEX exhibition (Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2025) taking place from 20-24 October 2025, represented by a high-level delegation headed by Major General Pilot Khalid Mirdas, Deputy Commander of the Air Force (photo).
The visit included various activities and demonstrations of advanced aircraft and military technologies, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
The exhibition, attended by the President of South Korea, the Minister of Defense, and representatives from more than 54 countries, featured aerial shows of several aircraft, including the T-50 and the new KF-21, which is expected to enter service in Korea by the end of 2026. The show highlighted the aircraft’s maneuvering capabilities, along with a performance by the LUH helicopter demonstrating its capabilities.
The Iraqi delegation also visited the weapons industry exhibition, where major global companies presented the latest defensive and offensive technologies in aviation, air defense, cybersecurity, drones, and artificial intelligence systems.
In another development, the Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Army, General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah, met Monday with the Commander of the International Coalition Forces in Iraq at the headquarters of the Joint Operations Command, in the presence of the Deputy Commander of Joint Operations, to discuss the mechanism for the withdrawal of U.S. training advisors.
Both sides discussed the next phase following the withdrawal and confirmed that Iraqi forces, with all their formations and branches, have reached full readiness to assume full responsibility.
The Commander of the Central Command reaffirmed the continuation of partnership and coordination between both sides.
Meanwhile, the NATO Mission in Iraq reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting the training and development of Iraqi military forces within the framework of continued cooperation to strengthen the capabilities and efficiency of the Iraqi Army.
This came during official meetings held by the mission’s leaders with the Director of the Ministry of Defense Media Directorate , Major General Pilot Tahseen Al-Khafaji, and the Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Hussein Alawi. The discussions focused on expanding partnership in training, education, and expertise exchange, as well as maintaining training programs that align with technological advancements and modern developments.
These efforts aim to raise the level of officer preparation and military education according to global standards and to keep pace with emerging security challenges.
Lastly, the Iraqi Military Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Pakistan, represented by Colonel Engineer Ahmad Abdullah Jasim, celebrated the graduation of a group of Iraqi cadets (Course 113) who successfully completed their two-year training program at the Pakistan Military Academy (Long Course 152).
The Iraqi cadets, Ali Hussam Alawi, Yusuf Mustafa Naji, and Hassan Ihsan Sadiq, distinguished themselves among 164 international students from various countries. The academy’s leadership commended their discipline and excellence in the intensive program, which included physical fitness, tactical training, and advanced academic and military courses, considering their achievements a source of pride for the Iraqi Army.
The Military Attaché praised their success, emphasizing the Attaché’s continued support for Iraqi students and affirming that their excellence reflects the competence and professionalism of Iraqi soldiers, proven repeatedly in previous courses. (Source & Photo © Iraq’s Ministry of Defense)
