The Iraq’s Army Chief of Staff, General Abdul-Amir Rashid Yarallah, oversaw the delivery of French Caracal aircraft and conducted a flight aboard one of the aircraft in the presence of the Army Aviation Commander, a number of staff officers, and pilots specialized in the aircraft.
He then carried out an aerial tour during which he reviewed the aircraft’s training capabilities and combat features, listening to a detailed explanation by the pilots regarding its readiness and its uses across various missions, Iraq’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
The Army Chief of Staff also commended the efforts of the Army Aviation Command and its technical and training cadres, emphasizing the importance of continuous development of aviation capabilities to enhance combat power and support joint operations.
On 05 September 2024, Airbus Helicopters has been awarded a contract for 12 H225M multi-role helicopters by the Republic of Iraq. The contract was signed in Baghdad by the Minister of Defense of Iraq Mr. Thabet al-Abbassi in the presence of the French Ambassador Patrick Durel.
These helicopters will be operated by the Iraqi Army Aviation command replacing older Mi-17s for a wider range of missions: counter-terrorism, special operations, tactical troop transport, attack, ground fire support, MEDEVAC and combat search and rescue.
Deliveries will start in 2025, Airbus announced then. On 30 April 2025, the Iraqi Ministry of Defence confirmed receipt of the first two Caracal military helicopters. Iraq already operates a fleet of Airbus helicopters from the H125, H135 and H145 families.
Speaking at the first handover ceremony, Iraq’s Defence Minister Thabet Muhammad Saeed Al-Abbasi highlighted the strength of the partnership between Iraq and France, stating that the helicopters will bolster Army Aviation Command's capabilities. Additional units will be delivered in phases as production is completed.
The H225M has proven its reliability and durability in combat conditions and crisis areas. Benefiting from Airbus’ continuous improvement policy, the H225M is now equipped with new avionics, an enhanced main gear box, airborne communication systems and can be equipped with the HForce weapon system. The maximum take off weight has been increased by 160 kg to reach 11,160 kg.
There are more than 350 H225s and H225Ms in service across the world, totaling more than 880,000 flight hours. Military customers include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary. (Iraq’s Ministry of Defense; Airbus; Photo © Iraq’s Ministry of Defense)
