The Pentagon has placed the initial order for 18 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets for the Iraqi Air Force.

The $199 million fixed-price contract is the first installment of what could be a $4.2 billion sale of fighter aircraft, engines, weapons and support equipment that was originally announced in September 2010.

Iraq is purchasing 12 C-model, single-seat and six D-model, two-seat F-16s.

In addition to these aircraft, the Pentagon notified Congress in December 2011 of the potential sale of an additional 18 F-16s to Iraq. That sale could be worth $2.3 billion.