Defense Secretary Robert Gates has arrived in Iraq on an unannounced trip. Gates is meeting Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and discussing possible arms deals. Iraq has expressed interest in purchasing F-16 multirole fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin. On Monday, Gates also discussed arms deals while in Israel. At a news conference, Gates said, “We will continue to ensure that Israel has the most advanced weapons for its national defense.” On July 1, Israel formally submitted a letter outlining its intention to buy the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, also made by Lockheed Martin.