Hobby Master HA6109 1:72 Su-25K Frogfoot 25616, 114 Sqn., Iraqi Air Force, 1991

Hobby Master HA6109 1:72 Su-25 25616, 114 Sqn., Iraqi Air Force, 1991

In 1999 Russia decided to upgrade their aging Su-25 aircraft with actual work beginning in 2001. The first of the upgraded aircraft designated Su-25SM (Stroyevoy Modernizirovannyi) Grach Rook) flew on March 3, 2002 with the first six modernized aircraft entering service with the Russian Air Force in December 2006. The idea behind the modernization was to expand the life of the Su-25, make it All-Weather capable, more lethal and reduce operating and maintenance cost. Increased ordnance loads and a wider selection were also added.

Early into the Iran-Iraq War Iraq approached Russia to purchase various types of military equipment and one such item was the Su-25 Frogfoot. Iraq became the first non Warsaw Pact country to be equipped with the Su-25K and Su-25UBK. They received 69 Su-25Ks and 4 Su-25UBK trainers. The first operational Iraqi regiment was ready in 1986. During Operation Desert Storm none of the Su-25s were a threat to Allied forces. A few would seek refuge in Iran while others were buried in the desert sand and several were destroyed in their hardened bunkers.