The first batch of Su-25 strike-fighters was delivered from Russia to Iraq, ITAR-TASS reports with reference to Iraqi Ministry of Defense.

"Under the contract with Russia the first batch of five Su-25 strike-fighters was delivered to Iraq", - the ministry noted.

Iraqi Ministry of Defense said that the jets will help “increase the combat effectiveness of the country’s air forces” in the network of its anti-terrorism effort.

Su-25 jets were delivered to Iraq by An-124-100 aircraft operated by Russian air forces. The jets were delivered to the customer in a dismantled state. The Iraqi ministry posted a video at its website showing the unloading of the aircraft. One of the officers of Iraqi air forces said that the vehicles will be put into operation in 3 or 4 days. The jets will provide support for the army fighting Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist group. He also noted that Russian specialists will be taking part in maintenance of the delivered jets.

Su-25 is the Russian strike-fighter designed to provide close air support for the army and destroy targets with a fixed coordinates under any weather conditions.

Situation in Iraq became critical in early June after Sunni militants from ISIL terrorist group connected with Al-Qaeda and local radical groups loyal to them attacked the northern part of the country and captured a number of cities.