DUBAI, UAE - Iraq is set to receive advanced air defense systems from South Korea early next year, the defense ministry said, as part of an agreement signed between Baghdad and Seoul last year.

"The Ministry of Defense has reached advanced stages in the air defense armament file, as a contract has been signed for the Korean CAM-SAM system, which will enter service in Iraq early next year,” Major General Tahseen al-Khafaji, head of media at the ministry, told state media on Monday.

In September 2024, Baghdad signed a deal to purchase air defense systems from Seoul as part of an ongoing effort to modernize the country’s military capabilities.

“The system is considered one of the modern and advanced systems, and possesses high capabilities and capacities that rival the best international systems, and will play a major role in strengthening air defense capabilities and providing support for Iraq's airspace and skies,” Khafaji said. 

On Monday, a joint military exercise was held between the Iraqi and French air forces “with the aim of monitoring the coordination of aviation and air targets during the exercise,” according to Khafaji. 

Khafaji said the combined efforts reflect Iraq’s commitment to improving its defensive readiness and strengthening international military cooperation.

Iraq has also bolstered efforts to produce military equipment domestically. In late March, the country’s Defense Industries Commission said it had saved around $700 million in two years by manufacturing military goods domestically.