Article Posted on : - Jul 31, 2011

BAGHDAD (AP): Iraq's prime minister says his country will purchase 36 fighter jets from the United States, more than doubling the number Iraq was previously planning to buy.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told reporters on Saturday in Baghdad that Iraq needs to be able to protect its sovereignty.

Iraq had previously planned to purchase 16 F-16 fighter jets but the plans were put on hold earlier this year.

Iraqi officials said they were going to use the money instead to pay for food rations.

Al-Maliki said a delegation from the Iraqi Air Force will head to the US to facilitate the deal.