Iraq has taken an important step towards strengthening its fleet of modern military helicopters. The first helicopters produced at Airbus facilities in Marignane, France, will be delivered on April 30, 2025. 2 H225M Caracal helicopters, were handed over to the Iraqi Army Aviation Command in an official ceremony. Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Muhammad Saeed Al-Abbasi also attended the ceremony. These helicopters are expected to replace the old Soviet-made Mil Mi-17 helicopters in the inventory of the Iraqi Army Aviation.
H225M Caracal: Stands Out with Its Multi-Purpose Capabilities
The H225M Caracal helicopter is known as a versatile platform designed for a wide range of missions. It can successfully carry out critical missions such as tactical troop transport, special operations, counter-terrorism, ground fire support, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and combat search and rescue (CSAR). According to Army Recognition, Airbus Helicopters has announced that some of the helicopters delivered to Iraq HForce GWS (General Weapon System) He also confirmed that it will be equipped with. This integration will significantly increase the firepower and combat effectiveness of the helicopters.
First Delivery of the Comprehensive Agreement
This delivery is in line with the agreement signed between Iraq and Airbus in September 2024, with a total Procurement of 14 military helicopters The agreement was made as part of a larger agreement that included 12 H225M Caracal The delivery of the helicopters comes on the heels of an important meeting between Iraqi Defense Minister Al-Abbasi and French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu in Paris on 29 April 2025.
Air Defense Cooperation Also on the Agenda
According to Army Recognition, in addition to the helicopter agreement, the Paris meeting also discussed future cooperation opportunities to strengthen Iraq’s air defense capabilities. In particular, the issue of providing modern radar systems to the Iraqi Air Defense Command was emphasized. The comprehensive helicopter agreement with Airbus was formalized in Baghdad on September 5, 2024, with the participation of the Iraqi Defense Minister, Airbus representatives and French Ambassador Patrick Durel.
H225M Caracal: Reliable and Proven Platform
The H225M, which stands out as a general-purpose helicopter, can be used in a wide range of missions from troop transport to medical evacuation, from search and rescue to special operations. Airbus Helicopters states that the H225M has proven its reliability and durability in difficult combat conditions and crisis zones around the world. It is currently in service around the world. More than 350 H225 and H225M are in service and these helicopters have a total of More than 880.000 flight hours has been realized. Today, many countries such as France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Netherlands, Kuwait, Brazil and Hungary actively use the H225M platform. Iraq's addition of these modern helicopters to its inventory will significantly increase the country's air power and provide effective solutions to its various operational needs.
