The Iraqi Navy

As the freely elected government of Iraq assumes responsibility for security and defense operations from the Coalition, all of the Iraqi armed services are taking their place as functioning organizations.

The Iraqi Navy has several missions. It defends the coast and people of Iraq from the sea. It defends the offshore oil terminals, Mina Al Bakr Oil Terminal and Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal, which provide much of Iraq's oil export revenues. It prevents smuggling and other water borne criminal activities.

As of late March, 2009, the Navy has 1,974 personnel stationed in two primary locations. The Naval Headquarters is in Baghdad, with the command structure and support activities. At the coast, in and around the port of Umm Qasr, the operational units of the Navy are based and conduct operations.

Because most of the Navy's responsibilities involve coastal waters, they are concentrating on purchasing smaller ships and patrol boats. The primary vessels operated by the Iraqi Navy to date have been five Predator class patrol boats purchased from China. These are 27 meter boats, and have seen aggressive service while the Navy seeks to add to its fleet.

The Predators are being supplemented with 26 Defender-class boats, purchased through the U.S. Coast Guard's Foreign Military Sales program. These are smaller boats, 27 feet in length. They anticipate growing this class of vessel to around 50 in number. Defender-class boats are commonly seen in use on the rivers and in the ports of the United States as a vital part of the Coast Guard.

The Iraqis are buying four Saettia-class Patrol Ships, which will be the largest combat ships in the fleet. These ships come in at 450 tons and 53 meters in length, and their arrival is scheduled for staggered intervals in 2009 and 2010. Their crews will be trained in Italy, where the ships are being constructed.

While contract issues and budget constraints have affected Iraqi Navy purchases over the last several years, the force intends to add to its capability by adding some boats about 30% larger than the Predators, and by purchasing two offshore support vessels.

The Iraqi Navy is based at Umm Qasr. The port is not adequate for the needs of the Navy. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has recently working with the Navy to contract for a state-of-the-art pier and seawall. This will provide berthing space for the Iraqi Navy as well as modern port facilities. This project is being paid for by Iraq and their Navy directed the design requirements.

The Iraqi Navy mounts 5 patrols which operate 24/7. This provides protection for the oil platforms and allows interception of foreign naval vessels and smugglers which may be testing the defense of Iraqi territorial waters. They are building a Marine capacity, currently assigned to defense of the oil platforms. Most of one battalion is in place and a second is planned.

The Navy has no air capability. Several options are being explored, including working with the Iraqi Air Force for maritime surveillance and protection.

The logistics and support functions of the Navy are still being assisted by the Coalition. Within the budget and with the passage of time, the Iraqis will fill these important functions.

Along with the other Iraqi military services, the Iraqi Navy is growing into its responsibilities. As it adds to its fleet, and builds its infrastructure and support capabilities, it will be able to defend Iraq and Iraqi interests at the head of the Arabian Gulf.