The Iraqi Air Force will be able to enhance its air defence capabilities with the arrival of a new digital air surveillance radar (DASR) system.

The DASR will enable the Iraqi air traffic controllers to monitor aircraft up to a distance of 120nm and hence detect aircraft along their borders with Syria, Turkey and Iran.

In future, the radar signal will be remotely accessible from Baghdad International Airport for air traffic controllers who can observe the whole Iraqi airspace.

The system also brings the Kirkuk airfield up to international civil aviation and surveillance standards, facilitating it for future commercial airline use.

Iraq has invested over $53m on air traffic control and navigation capabilities including training in three years.