Iraq is on the verge of a major air power reset as talks with France over Rafale fighter jets near the finish line. The potential deal could reshape Baghdad’s defenses at a time of rising regional tensions involving Iran and Israel. French Rafales, armed with long-range missiles and advanced sensors, may soon replace Iraq’s limited U.S.-supplied F-16s. Behind the scenes, pilot experience, combat capability gaps, and political red lines played a decisive role.