The Chief of Staff of Iraq’s Armed Forces, General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah, met with the French delegation, which included the Deputy Military Attaché and the Director of Airbus Helicopters.
During the meeting, the Caracal helicopter program and prospects for its development were discussed, following Iraq’s recent receipt of the third and fourth helicopters of this type.
The two sides also addressed mechanisms for the delivery of the remaining batches and the determination of delivery schedules, in addition to training programs for Iraqi personnel and the transfer of technical expertise from the French side, contributing to the enhancement of sustainment and maintenance capabilities and ensuring the continued operational performance of these systems in the future.
This cooperation comes within the framework of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense’s efforts to develop the combat and technical capabilities of army aviation to support the requirements of modern warfare and joint operations, the Ministry said in a statement.
In 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 Defence 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. Iraq already operates a fleet of Airbus helicopters from the H125, H135 and H145 families.
On 06 December 2025, the Iraqi Army Chief of Staff oversaw the delivery of French Caracal aircraft (photo) 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.
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.
The Caracal helicopter is known for its multi-role capabilities in tactical transport, combat support, and medical evacuation. It is considered one of the modern aircraft that combines speed, long range, and high mission flexibility.
The entry of these helicopters into service represents a qualitative leap in the capabilities of the Iraqi Air Force and enhances the readiness of the armed forces in executing special missions and providing support and assistance under various conditions.
In another development, the Iraqi Army Chief of Staff met with the Director of Intelligence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to discuss mechanisms for strengthening military relations between the two brotherly countries, particularly in the fields of joint training, exchange of information and expertise, and the development of intelligence capabilities.
The meeting also reviewed a number of issues related to the current security situation in the region and emphasized the importance of coordinating bilateral efforts to confront shared security challenges in a manner that contributes to enhancing regional security and stability and safeguarding the security of both countries. (Source & Photo © Iraqi Ministry of Defense)
