Iraq has signed a contract with Airbus for the purchase of 14 Caracal H225M helicopters, strengthening its military capabilities.
Iraq has signed an agreement with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of 14 helicopters, including 12 H225M Caracal models. These multi-role helicopters, used in particular for search and rescue, transport and assault missions, will enable the Iraqi army to strengthen its operational capabilities. This purchase is part of a wider strategy to modernise Iraqi defence, supported by exchanges between the Iraqi and French governments. Delivery of the aircraft will begin in 2025, marking an important milestone in military cooperation between Iraq and France.
Strategic agreement between Iraq and Airbus for 14 Caracal helicopters
The Iraqi Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with the French company Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of 14 military helicopters, including 12 H225M Caracal. The agreement, formalised at a ceremony attended by the Iraqi Defence Minister, Thabet Muhammad Saeed Al-Abbasi, and the French Ambassador to Baghdad, Patrick Durel, represents a major step in the modernisation of the Iraqi Army’s air capabilities.
The H225M Caracal, an advanced version of the Puma helicopter family, is a versatile military transport aircraft capable of carrying out a range of missions, including search and rescue operations, assault missions and insertion of special forces. Designed for demanding environments, it can operate day and night and in extreme weather conditions, making it an asset for the Iraqi armed forces.
Delivery of the 12 Caracals** will begin in 2025, although the value of the agreement has not been publicly specified. The acquisition is part of Iraq’s wider strategy to diversify and strengthen its military capabilities after decades of conflict and fighting armed groups such as the Islamic State (ISIS).
The H225M Caracal: technical capabilities and benefits for the Iraqi Army
The H225M Caracal, also known by this name in the French armed forces, is a multi-role military helicopter designed by Airbus Helicopters. It is particularly well suited to complex military operations thanks to its advanced technical features.
Weighing up to 11 tonnes fully loaded, the H225M is capable of carrying up to 28 equipped soldiers, or an internal payload of 5,500 kg, or 4,750 kg externally slung. It is powered by Turbomeca Makila 2A1 engines, each rated at 1,776 kW, giving it a maximum speed of 324 km/h and a range of 1,325 km with additional fuel tanks. This range means it can be used for long-duration operations, which are particularly well suited to the vast and often inaccessible territories of Iraq.
One of the Caracal’s main assets is its ability to operate in extreme weather conditions, whether in desert or mountainous environments. It is equipped with advanced avionics systems, including night vision and a full digital cockpit, making it easier to navigate and carry out tactical manoeuvres in complex situations. In addition, it is capable of carrying out assault missions thanks to its on-board armament, including machine guns and missile defence systems, making it suitable for deployments in conflict zones.
For the Iraqi army, the integration of the H225M represents a strategic reinforcement of its air capabilities. In addition to its transport and assault capabilities, it will contribute to the fight against the armed groups active in certain regions of the country, while providing essential support for humanitarian and medical evacuation missions.
Enhanced military cooperation between Iraq and France
This agreement is part of the growing military cooperation between Iraq and France. In January 2023, the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, visited Paris to hold talks with representatives of the French government and defence industry on issues such as the purchase of helicopters, radars and even Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
The purchase of the H225M Caracal illustrates this desire to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in the field of defence. France, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a key player in the fight against international terrorism, sees this partnership as an opportunity to further stabilise Iraq. The two countries have already cooperated closely in the fight against Daech, with joint operations carried out as part of the international coalition. As Ambassador Durel pointed out, the aim of this cooperation is not only to strengthen Iraq’s military capabilities, but also to support its sovereignty and improve security in the region.
In addition, this acquisition will enable Iraq to diversify its military partnerships by relying on European suppliers, thereby limiting its dependence on its traditional partners, such as the United States and Russia.
Strategic implications of the H225M acquisition for Iraq
Iraq’s purchase of the H225M Caracal goes far beyond simply modernising its air fleet. This acquisition is part of a wider strategy to strengthen Iraq’s military capabilities in the face of internal and regional security challenges. Since the fall of the regime of Saddam Hussein and the fight against Daech, the Iraqi army has been seeking to rebuild and modernise its forces, both to ensure internal security and to protect its borders against possible external threats.
The H225M, with its versatility, is a strategic tool for Iraq in the context of counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. It can be deployed in regions where the presence of armed groups remains a constant threat, particularly in the north of the country, near the borders with Syria and Turkey. In addition, these helicopters will play a vital role in humanitarian support and disaster relief missions, particularly in areas that are difficult to access due to instability or the country’s geography.
Internationally, this acquisition demonstrates Iraq’s determination to assert itself as a more independent military player, better equipped to meet its security challenges. It could also pave the way for other strategic partnerships with European countries, strengthening Iraq’s diplomatic and military position in the Middle East.
Essential modernisation for Iraqi sovereignty
The acquisition of 14 H225M Caracal helicopters is a key step in the modernisation of the Iraqi armed forces. Thanks to these multi-purpose aircraft, capable of operating in difficult conditions and over long distances, the Iraqi army is strengthening its ability to meet today’s security challenges. This contract with Airbus Helicopters also illustrates France‘s growing role as a strategic partner of Iraq in the defence sector, strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
As Iraq continues to recover from past wars and the fight against Daech, this modernisation of its military aviation will help to ensure its sovereignty and strengthen its position on the regional stage.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.