Iraq signed on September 5 a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of 14 H225M multi-mission helicopters.
The contract was signed in Baghdad by Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbassi in the presence of French Ambassador Patrick Durel. These helicopters will be operated by the Iraqi Army Aviation Command to replace the older Mi-17s for a wider range of missions: counter-terrorism, special operations, tactical troop transport, strike, ground fire support, MEDEVAC and combat search and rescue. Iraq will begin receiving H225Ms in 2025. Iraq already operates a fleet of Airbus helicopters from the H125, H135 and H145 families.
While Airbus Helicopters’ publication speaks of 12 new-build H225 helicopters, according to the French newspaper La Tribune, the contract with Iraq also includes the delivery of two other second-hand units, which will be upgraded by the company. The amount of the operation was not disclosed.
«Estamos muy contentos de dar la bienvenida a un nuevo miembro de la familia H225M», dijo Bruno Even, CEO de Airbus Helicopters. «El H225M es una plataforma probada en combate utilizada en todo el mundo por muchos operadores, entre ellos la Fuerza Aérea Francesa, para misiones de búsqueda y rescate en combate. Ha demostrado su valía y ha salvado muchas vidas desde su entrada en servicio», añadió. «El H225M es inigualable en términos de autonomía, carga útil y también sistemas de misión. Ha sido diseñado para realizar misiones difíciles en los entornos más exigentes. Estamos deseando ver cómo el H225M contribuye a la seguridad y la soberanía de Irak.»
The Iraqi government showed interest in acquiring French military equipment, such as radars, Rafale fighter jets and helicopters, during an official visit to France in January 2023. These exploratory talks opened the door to possible business deals between Iraq and major European defense companies, one of which was finalized yesterday with the purchase of H225Ms.
With more than 350 units in service worldwide and more than 880,000 flight hours, the H225M is a helicopter of proven reliability and durability for military operations in all types of terrain and climates. It has a maximum take-off weight of 11,160 kg and can be equipped with the HForce weapon system. The H225M is used by the armed forces of countries such as France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil and Hungary.
