Iraq Receives First Two H225M Caracal Helicopters from Airbus
France’s Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first two H225M multi-role tactical transport helicopters to the Iraqi Armed Forces in accordance with an agreement signed last year between the governments of Paris and Baghdad. The handover ceremony took place at the Airbus facility in the city of Marignane during the visit of Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Al-Abbasi to France.
The contract, signed in September 2024, covers the supply of a total of 12 H225M multi-role helicopters. Airbus Helicopters announced that some of the helicopters to be delivered to the Iraqi Army Aviation Command (IAAC) will be equipped with the HForce modular weapon system, but other details of the deal remain a mystery.
At the delivery ceremony, Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Mohammed Saeed al-Abbasi said that this step reflects the friendly relations and strategic partnership between Iraq and France. Emphasizing that the H225M Caracal helicopters are capable of high performance in harsh weather conditions and can perform effective missions in various geographical conditions, al-Abbasi said that these platforms will significantly contribute to the operational capacity of the Iraqi Army Aviation Command (IAAC).
According to Thabet al-Abbassi, the first two helicopters will be officially accepted into service in June 2025, coinciding with the anniversary of the establishment of the Army Aviation Command. The remaining 10 helicopters will arrive in batches by 2026 after the completion of the production process. They will replace the Mi-17s, most of which are in storage due to the Iraqi ground forces’ difficulties in obtaining spare parts from Russia, and will be used in various operations and missions, including counter-terrorism, special operations, tactical troop transport, assault, fire support, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and combat search and rescue.
The H225M is a multi-role helicopter and is the most advanced member of Airbus’ military Super Puma/Cougar family. The H225M, according to Airbus Helicopters, enables military forces to be deployed wherever and whenever needed. The helicopter is powered by two Turboméca MAKILA 2A1 turboshaft engines, each having 2,100 shaft horsepower with sand and dust filters in the air intakes for landing on rugged terrain. The H225M can carry up to 28 troops and two pilots. The helicopter has a maximum take-off weight of 11,200kg, a cruise speed of 141 kilometers per hour, and a range of 909 kilometers. It also possesses a belly hook for transporting external loads weighing up to 4,750 kg.