Iraq reinforces its aviation training capacity with U.S. Bell 505 helicopter delivery completion
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Iraq has taken delivery of its final batch of Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters, completing a 15-aircraft training fleet for the Army Aviation Command. The program strengthens Iraq’s military pilot training capacity and deepens ongoing U.S.-Iraqi defense cooperation.
According to information published by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), on October 16, 2025, Iraq received a second batch of eight Bell 505 Jet Ranger X training helicopters at Martyr Brigadier General Mohammed Alaa Air Base, completing a 15-aircraft program for the Army Aviation Command. Officials said the fleet will anchor pilot production at the Army Aviation College, following an initial batch of seven delivered in August 2024. Ministry spokesperson Maj. Gen. Tahseen al-Khafaji called the new aircraft a major boost to training capacity.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X delivers advanced glass-cockpit avionics, FADEC-controlled Safran engines, and agile handling for Iraq’s new generation of Army Aviation pilots, providing a modern platform for training, reconnaissance, and light utility missions (Picture source: IACC).
The Bell 505 is a modern short light single-built around the Safran Arrius 2R turboshaft, delivering 505 shp for takeoff and controlled by dual-channel FADEC to simplify engine management and reduce pilot workload. Paired with the Garmin G1000H flight deck with twin LCDs, integrated EICAS and moving map, the cockpit mirrors the avionics logic Iraqi pilots will see on more complex platforms. Typical cruise is about 125 knots, with a practical range around 300 nautical miles and a service ceiling near 18,600 feet, giving an ample performance for ab-initio sorties and advanced procedures in Iraq’s diverse terrain and temperatures.
For training utility, the 505’s 1+4 seating, flat cabin floor and 18 cubic feet of baggage space allow instructor, student and observer configurations without re-rigging. The type can carry roughly 2,295 pounds externally and hovers comfortably for pattern work, with published hover ceilings both in and out of ground effect that suit desert operations. Optional safety and situational-awareness kits such as HTAWS and synthetic vision further align the aircraft with modern military standards while keeping operating costs low. That combination explains why the 505 has become a baseline trainer in several militaries and law-enforcement units worldwide.
While Baghdad has not disclosed the aircraft purchase value, the sustainment architecture around these rotorcraft is public. In late 2023, the U.S. State Department cleared up to 300 million dollars for Bell contracted logistics support to Iraq, later detailed in a Federal Register notice. That package covers maintenance support and field service representatives across multiple Bell types in Iraqi service, including the 505, 407 variants, OH-58A/C, 206B-3 and Huey II, ensuring spares, technical assistance and fleet availability as the new trainers come online. Separately this month, the U.S. Army increased a Bell 412EPX contract for Iraq by 12.4 million dollars, underscoring a broader rotary-wing refresh beyond the trainer fleet.
The Bell 505 gives the Iraqi Army Aviation a disciplined pipeline from primary to advanced rotary-wing skills. Instructors can move students through startup and emergency procedures using FADEC protections, then into instrument basics, navigation, confined-area landings and night operations with a glass cockpit that reflects frontline aircraft. The platform’s agility, external cargo hook option and ability to accept an EO/IR turret make it a credible classroom for reconnaissance tactics, medevac drills, liaison and convoy overwatch. Iraqi officials have also framed the fleet as a stepping stone to close air support coordination, even as the 505 remains primarily a trainer, which will help standardize communications and air-ground integration for units heading to 407, 412 and future H225M fleets.
Baghdad is tightening defense ties with Washington for sustainment and training while diversifying lift and assault options with European kit, including a 2024 order for 12 Airbus H225M Caracal multirole helicopters. At the same time, Iraq has been engaging NATO on structured training and knowledge exchange, with senior-level meetings this month emphasizing institutional capacity building. Against persistent counter-ISIS requirements, porous borders and the need to professionalize force generation, the Bell 505 program is less about headline firepower and more about rebuilding the pilot corps with safer aircraft, modern avionics and reliable logistics, a foundation without which high-end platforms deliver diminishing returns.
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Iraq has taken delivery of its final batch of Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters, completing a 15-aircraft training fleet for the Army Aviation Command. The program strengthens Iraq’s military pilot training capacity and deepens ongoing U.S.-Iraqi defense cooperation.
According to information published by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), on October 16, 2025, Iraq received a second batch of eight Bell 505 Jet Ranger X training helicopters at Martyr Brigadier General Mohammed Alaa Air Base, completing a 15-aircraft program for the Army Aviation Command. Officials said the fleet will anchor pilot production at the Army Aviation College, following an initial batch of seven delivered in August 2024. Ministry spokesperson Maj. Gen. Tahseen al-Khafaji called the new aircraft a major boost to training capacity.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X delivers advanced glass-cockpit avionics, FADEC-controlled Safran engines, and agile handling for Iraq’s new generation of Army Aviation pilots, providing a modern platform for training, reconnaissance, and light utility missions (Picture source: IACC).
The Bell 505 is a modern short light single-built around the Safran Arrius 2R turboshaft, delivering 505 shp for takeoff and controlled by dual-channel FADEC to simplify engine management and reduce pilot workload. Paired with the Garmin G1000H flight deck with twin LCDs, integrated EICAS and moving map, the cockpit mirrors the avionics logic Iraqi pilots will see on more complex platforms. Typical cruise is about 125 knots, with a practical range around 300 nautical miles and a service ceiling near 18,600 feet, giving an ample performance for ab-initio sorties and advanced procedures in Iraq’s diverse terrain and temperatures.
For training utility, the 505’s 1+4 seating, flat cabin floor and 18 cubic feet of baggage space allow instructor, student and observer configurations without re-rigging. The type can carry roughly 2,295 pounds externally and hovers comfortably for pattern work, with published hover ceilings both in and out of ground effect that suit desert operations. Optional safety and situational-awareness kits such as HTAWS and synthetic vision further align the aircraft with modern military standards while keeping operating costs low. That combination explains why the 505 has become a baseline trainer in several militaries and law-enforcement units worldwide.
While Baghdad has not disclosed the aircraft purchase value, the sustainment architecture around these rotorcraft is public. In late 2023, the U.S. State Department cleared up to 300 million dollars for Bell contracted logistics support to Iraq, later detailed in a Federal Register notice. That package covers maintenance support and field service representatives across multiple Bell types in Iraqi service, including the 505, 407 variants, OH-58A/C, 206B-3 and Huey II, ensuring spares, technical assistance and fleet availability as the new trainers come online. Separately this month, the U.S. Army increased a Bell 412EPX contract for Iraq by 12.4 million dollars, underscoring a broader rotary-wing refresh beyond the trainer fleet.
The Bell 505 gives the Iraqi Army Aviation a disciplined pipeline from primary to advanced rotary-wing skills. Instructors can move students through startup and emergency procedures using FADEC protections, then into instrument basics, navigation, confined-area landings and night operations with a glass cockpit that reflects frontline aircraft. The platform’s agility, external cargo hook option and ability to accept an EO/IR turret make it a credible classroom for reconnaissance tactics, medevac drills, liaison and convoy overwatch. Iraqi officials have also framed the fleet as a stepping stone to close air support coordination, even as the 505 remains primarily a trainer, which will help standardize communications and air-ground integration for units heading to 407, 412 and future H225M fleets.
Baghdad is tightening defense ties with Washington for sustainment and training while diversifying lift and assault options with European kit, including a 2024 order for 12 Airbus H225M Caracal multirole helicopters. At the same time, Iraq has been engaging NATO on structured training and knowledge exchange, with senior-level meetings this month emphasizing institutional capacity building. Against persistent counter-ISIS requirements, porous borders and the need to professionalize force generation, the Bell 505 program is less about headline firepower and more about rebuilding the pilot corps with safer aircraft, modern avionics and reliable logistics, a foundation without which high-end platforms deliver diminishing returns.
