The Iraqi Air Defence Command () is the aerial defense branch of the Iraqi Armed Forces. It is one of the key service components under the authority of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, responsible for the protection of IraqâÂÂs airspace and critical infrastructure from aerial threats. The current commander is Lt. Gen. Muhannad Ghalib al-Asadi, who also serves as the commander of the Air Force.
Headquartered in Baghdad, the Iraqi Air Defense Forces oversee a network of radar sites, surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, and anti-aircraft artillery units across the country. In recent years, Iraq has undertaken efforts to modernize its air defense capabilities, integrating legacy Soviet-era systems with newer platforms acquired through international partnerships.
Historically, the Iraqi Air Defense Command played a significant role during conflicts such as the IranâÂÂIraq War, the Gulf War, and the 2003 Iraq War. In the post-2003 period, the command has been in a process of rebuilding and restructuring, with a current estimated strength of approximately 24,000 personnel as of 2025.
Before 1993 a considerable anti-aircraft gun and missile force had been built up, but not under a separate command. After the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the dissolution of all Iraqi Armed Forces it was reformed in 2011. In 2023 the commander was Lieutenant General Maan al-Saadi.
Iraqi air defence began with the purchase of 20-mm and 40-mm anti-aircraft guns for the Iraqi Army, and each of its divisions had an anti-aircraft battalion by the 1950s. Thereafter the force saw continual growth. But after the Israelis destroyed the atomic reactor at the Tuwaitha Nuclear Research Center in 1981 through the air raid Operation Opera, the defences were extensively redesigned. A network of radars, surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft guns were installed, centered on the strategic and industrial facilities of Baghdad.
In 1988 the Air Defence Command had about 10,000 personnel.
After the Gulf War of 1991, the force became a separate service in 1993.
By 2002 the IADC had four air defence sectors and at least five missile brigades, the 145th, 146th, 147th, 148th, and 195th. It was commanded by General Yassin Mohammed Shaheen, who had been deputy air defence commander during the 1991 Gulf War, and had an estimated strength of about 17,000. The ADC HQ, part of which was underground, was close to Muthenna Air Base in the Mansour area of Baghdad. The four regional SOCs co-ordinated SAM and anti-aircraft gun batteries. The longer-range SAMs consist primarily of the SA-2 and SA-3, with the SA-6 fulfilling a mobile, medium-range role. Jane's reported in May 2002 that other equipment includes Roland SAMs, anti-aircraft guns, and a mix of Western and Soviet-designed radar.
The air defence system consisted of the National Air Defence Operations Center in Baghdad and four air defence sectors:
Each sector had missile brigades; anti-aircraft artillery; and early warning radar units.
In recent years, Iraq has focused on enhancing its air defense through international collaborations and acquisitions:
As of 2025, the Iraqi Air Defense Command (IADC) has undergone significant restructuring and modernization efforts to enhance its capabilities in safeguarding the nationâÂÂs airspace. The IADC now operates under a centralized command structure, integrating various air defense systems and radar installations across the country.
The IADCâÂÂs organizational structure comprises multiple specialized units, including:
In addition to existing systems, Iraq has entered into agreements to acquire advanced air defense technologies:
The IADCâÂÂs modernization efforts reflect IraqâÂÂs commitment to enhancing its air defense capabilities amid evolving regional security challenges.