expected from Latin American, Asian, and African countries. Later that month, Major General Amir Eshel ordered the immediate shutdown of two squadrons of F-16A/B fighters, without any earlier notice to the squadrons' air and ground crews. The shutdown was caused by cuts in defence budget; additionally, it was claimed that one F-16I could replace several F-16s of older models. The aging F-16A/Bs were planned to be decommissioned in 2017 with the arrival of the F-35 Lightning II. However, the decision was made to advance the retirement of these aging platforms. One F-16A/B squadron continued to serve as an advanced jet trainer unit until the deliveries of Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Masters began in 2014. The final F-16A/Bs were retired on 26 December 2016. Iraq The Iraqi Air Force was looking to buy 36 F-16s in late 2008 in place of phased-out Russian and Chinese fighters during Saddam Hussein's regime acquired before and during the Iran–Iraq War. In the spring of 2009, the decision was made to spend $1.5 billion on an initial order of 18 F-16 fighters. Later purchases could bring the total buy to 96. The first batch was to be delivered by 2014, with all 36 currently ordered delivered by 2018. The first F-16IQ Block 52 fighter was delivered to Iraq on 5 June 2014, making it the 28th country to receive the F-16. The fighter was the first of six two-seat F-16D models. F-16IQs can be armed with AIM-9L/M Sidewinder and AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles, AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles, and Paveway guided bombs. Due to advances made by Islamic State militants in mid-2014 which forced the evacuation of contractors from Balad Air Base, Iraqi F-16s were sent to Tucson, Arizona, where Iraqi pilots trained on their aircraft. Four F-16IQs were delivered to Balad Air Base on 13 July 2015. The last F-16 was delivered to the Iraqi Air Force on 14 November 2017. Jordan Like Egypt, Jordan opened the door to modern American arms sales by reaching a peace agreement with Israel in 1994. Jordan then arranged for a lease of air defense F-16s from the United States with an eventual transfer of ownership. The program was successful, providing Jordan with 16 F-16A/B ADF fighters in 1997 and 1998 under Peace Falcon I program, RJAF recognized the need to give these aircraft a mid-life update (MLU) in the next 2 or 3 years. (2 F-16A Block 15 ADF