Airbus begins delivery of 12 H225M Caracal helicopters to Iraq for attack and rescue roles
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As reported by Aliarmy2024 on April 30, 2025, Iraq received its first two H225M Caracal helicopters, delivered at the Airbus facility in Marignane, France, and officially handed over to Iraqi Minister of Defense Thabet Muhammad Saeed Al-Abbasi. Iraq received its first two H225M Caracal helicopters, delivered at the Airbus facility in Marignane, France, and officially handed over to Iraqi Minister of Defense Thabet Muhammad Saeed Al-Abbasi. The helicopters will be operated by the Iraqi Army Aviation Command and are expected to replace older Mil Mi-17 models. These helicopters are intended for multiple roles, including tactical troop transport, special operations, counter-terrorism, attack missions, ground fire support, medical evacuation, and combat search and rescue. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The acquisition is part of a broader agreement between Iraq and Airbus, signed in September 2024, for a total of 14 military helicopters, including 12 H225M Caracal units. (Picture source: Twitter/Aliarmy2024)
Airbus Helicopters confirmed that an unspecified number of the delivered helicopters will be fitted with the HForce modular weapon system. The acquisition is part of a broader agreement between Iraq and Airbus, signed in September 2024, for a total of 14 military helicopters, including 12 H225M Caracal units. The handover of the aircraft followed a meeting between Minister Al-Abbasi and French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, held in Paris on April 29, 2025. Discussions included the helicopter contract as well as future cooperation in air defense, specifically the provision of radar systems to the Iraqi Air Defense Command. The agreement with Airbus was formalized during a signing ceremony in Baghdad on September 5, 2024, attended by the Iraqi Minister of Defense, Airbus representatives, and French Ambassador Patrick Durel. The full scope of the contract includes 12 H225M helicopters and two additional helicopters of a different type, with deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2025.
Interest in the H225M Caracal helicopters was first publicly acknowledged on July 31, 2024, when General Tahseen Al-Khafaji, spokesperson for the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, stated on Al Iraqiya television that discussions were ongoing regarding the acquisition of this model. He described the Caracal as suitable for Iraq’s diverse operational needs, though no specific details were disclosed at the time. A report from August 13, 2024, indicated that discussions were progressing but lacked confirmation of a finalized agreement. The deal was officially confirmed on September 6, 2024, when Airbus Helicopters announced the award of a contract for 12 H225M helicopters to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, with the signing taking place in the presence of Ambassador Durel.
Ambassador Patrick Durel has described the H225M agreement as the result of continuous exchanges between French President Emmanuel Macron and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. These discussions began during Al-Sudani’s official visit to Paris in January 2023, during which he met with representatives from Airbus, Thales, and Dassault to discuss various defense procurement initiatives. According to Airbus, Iraq already operates several models from the Airbus helicopter family, including the H125, H135, and H145. Arnaud Montalvo, Airbus Helicopters’ regional director for the Middle East, confirmed that deliveries of the 12 Caracal helicopters are set to begin in early 2025. The French Embassy in Baghdad has also confirmed that the broader contract includes 14 helicopters.
The Iraqi H225M helicopters are intended for multiple roles, including tactical troop transport, special operations, counter-terrorism, attack missions, ground fire support, medical evacuation, and combat search and rescue. (Picture source: Airbus Helicopters)
The financial terms of the Iraqi contract have not been made public. However, a 2021 deal between Airbus and the United Arab Emirates for a comparable number of H225M helicopters was valued at approximately 800 million euros, which may provide a reference point. Another Airbus contract with the French Ministry of the Armed Forces in 2021 involved eight H225M helicopters for around 300 million euros. Earlier negotiations for the Caracal between Iraq and France encountered delays due to hesitancy from the French Ministry of Economy and Finance in providing financial guarantees for French firms doing business with Iraqi authorities. These constraints appear to have been addressed prior to the finalization of the current agreement. Airbus has adapted its production schedule, in coordination with another customer, to meet Iraq’s delivery timetable.
The H225M Caracal is a military helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters. It is a medium-lift, twin-engine aircraft originally designated as the Eurocopter EC725 and derived from the AS532 Cougar Mk2. The helicopter first flew in November 2000 and entered service with the French Air Force in 2005. It is designed for missions including combat search and rescue, tactical transport, and special operations. With Iraq’s acquisition, it becomes the ninth known military customer of the H225M after France, Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Hungary. The Netherlands has also announced plans to procure the H225 to replace part of its helicopter fleet. Airbus has recorded three H225M contracts in 2024, following lower order volumes in 2023.
The helicopter is equipped with two Safran Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines, each providing 2,382 horsepower. It can achieve a maximum speed of approximately 324 kilometers per hour and, with additional fuel tanks, has a range of up to 1,200 kilometers. Its service ceiling reaches 6,095 meters. The H225M features a five-bladed main rotor system and a reinforced main gearbox, both of which contribute to improved lift capability and reduced vibration. The maximum takeoff weight is 11,160 kilograms, and it is capable of transporting up to 29 troops or a mix of personnel and cargo. Its underslung load capacity is up to 4,750 kilograms. The cabin is designed for modular configurations and can support medical evacuation missions with space for up to 11 stretchers. The avionics suite includes a glass cockpit, multifunction displays, a digital mapping system, and an autopilot function.
Airbus states that more than 350 H225 and H225M helicopters are in service worldwide, with over 880,000 total flight hours recorded. (Picture source: Airbus)
The H225M has been used in various military operations, including evacuations during the 2006 Lebanon conflict and operational deployments in Afghanistan. Airbus states that more than 350 H225 and H225M helicopters are in service worldwide, with over 880,000 total flight hours recorded. Brazil’s acquisition of 50 H225M units reflects the broader use of the model. While the H225M was initially developed for the French military, it has since been incorporated into numerous armed forces across different continents. The model continues to be produced and delivered under various national contracts.
In parallel with the Airbus agreement, Iraq’s potential acquisition of the French Rafale fighter aircraft remains under discussion. As of April 2025, various sources report that Iraq is advancing negotiations with France for a possible deal involving twelve Rafale jets in the F4 standard, including a complete package of munitions, spare parts, pilot training, and maintenance support. The estimated value of the deal is around $3 billion, and reports indicate that Iraq has already made a down payment of $240 million, with the remainder of the payment to be made in oil deliveries. Iraq reportedly aims to obtain the full F4 configuration, including MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, though diplomatic efforts have allegedly sought to limit the transfer of certain munitions.
Iraq’s pursuit of the Rafale follows the reported cancellation of an earlier agreement with Pakistan for twelve JF-17 Block III fighter aircraft, which had been signed alongside a contract for twelve PAC Mushshak trainer planes. That agreement was valued at approximately $1.8 billion. The pursuit of this aircraft is linked to the operational challenges faced by Iraq’s F-16IQ fleet, particularly following the withdrawal of American maintenance contractors. The goal of acquiring Rafales is part of broader efforts to restore the Iraqi Air Force’s operational capacity.
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As reported by Aliarmy2024 on April 30, 2025, Iraq received its first two H225M Caracal helicopters, delivered at the Airbus facility in Marignane, France, and officially handed over to Iraqi Minister of Defense Thabet Muhammad Saeed Al-Abbasi. Iraq received its first two H225M Caracal helicopters, delivered at the Airbus facility in Marignane, France, and officially handed over to Iraqi Minister of Defense Thabet Muhammad Saeed Al-Abbasi. The helicopters will be operated by the Iraqi Army Aviation Command and are expected to replace older Mil Mi-17 models. These helicopters are intended for multiple roles, including tactical troop transport, special operations, counter-terrorism, attack missions, ground fire support, medical evacuation, and combat search and rescue.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The acquisition is part of a broader agreement between Iraq and Airbus, signed in September 2024, for a total of 14 military helicopters, including 12 H225M Caracal units. (Picture source: Twitter/Aliarmy2024)
Airbus Helicopters confirmed that an unspecified number of the delivered helicopters will be fitted with the HForce modular weapon system. The acquisition is part of a broader agreement between Iraq and Airbus, signed in September 2024, for a total of 14 military helicopters, including 12 H225M Caracal units. The handover of the aircraft followed a meeting between Minister Al-Abbasi and French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, held in Paris on April 29, 2025. Discussions included the helicopter contract as well as future cooperation in air defense, specifically the provision of radar systems to the Iraqi Air Defense Command. The agreement with Airbus was formalized during a signing ceremony in Baghdad on September 5, 2024, attended by the Iraqi Minister of Defense, Airbus representatives, and French Ambassador Patrick Durel. The full scope of the contract includes 12 H225M helicopters and two additional helicopters of a different type, with deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2025.
Interest in the H225M Caracal helicopters was first publicly acknowledged on July 31, 2024, when General Tahseen Al-Khafaji, spokesperson for the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, stated on Al Iraqiya television that discussions were ongoing regarding the acquisition of this model. He described the Caracal as suitable for Iraq’s diverse operational needs, though no specific details were disclosed at the time. A report from August 13, 2024, indicated that discussions were progressing but lacked confirmation of a finalized agreement. The deal was officially confirmed on September 6, 2024, when Airbus Helicopters announced the award of a contract for 12 H225M helicopters to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, with the signing taking place in the presence of Ambassador Durel.
Ambassador Patrick Durel has described the H225M agreement as the result of continuous exchanges between French President Emmanuel Macron and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. These discussions began during Al-Sudani’s official visit to Paris in January 2023, during which he met with representatives from Airbus, Thales, and Dassault to discuss various defense procurement initiatives. According to Airbus, Iraq already operates several models from the Airbus helicopter family, including the H125, H135, and H145. Arnaud Montalvo, Airbus Helicopters’ regional director for the Middle East, confirmed that deliveries of the 12 Caracal helicopters are set to begin in early 2025. The French Embassy in Baghdad has also confirmed that the broader contract includes 14 helicopters.
The Iraqi H225M helicopters are intended for multiple roles, including tactical troop transport, special operations, counter-terrorism, attack missions, ground fire support, medical evacuation, and combat search and rescue. (Picture source: Airbus Helicopters)
The financial terms of the Iraqi contract have not been made public. However, a 2021 deal between Airbus and the United Arab Emirates for a comparable number of H225M helicopters was valued at approximately 800 million euros, which may provide a reference point. Another Airbus contract with the French Ministry of the Armed Forces in 2021 involved eight H225M helicopters for around 300 million euros. Earlier negotiations for the Caracal between Iraq and France encountered delays due to hesitancy from the French Ministry of Economy and Finance in providing financial guarantees for French firms doing business with Iraqi authorities. These constraints appear to have been addressed prior to the finalization of the current agreement. Airbus has adapted its production schedule, in coordination with another customer, to meet Iraq’s delivery timetable.
The H225M Caracal is a military helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters. It is a medium-lift, twin-engine aircraft originally designated as the Eurocopter EC725 and derived from the AS532 Cougar Mk2. The helicopter first flew in November 2000 and entered service with the French Air Force in 2005. It is designed for missions including combat search and rescue, tactical transport, and special operations. With Iraq’s acquisition, it becomes the ninth known military customer of the H225M after France, Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Hungary. The Netherlands has also announced plans to procure the H225 to replace part of its helicopter fleet. Airbus has recorded three H225M contracts in 2024, following lower order volumes in 2023.
The helicopter is equipped with two Safran Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines, each providing 2,382 horsepower. It can achieve a maximum speed of approximately 324 kilometers per hour and, with additional fuel tanks, has a range of up to 1,200 kilometers. Its service ceiling reaches 6,095 meters. The H225M features a five-bladed main rotor system and a reinforced main gearbox, both of which contribute to improved lift capability and reduced vibration. The maximum takeoff weight is 11,160 kilograms, and it is capable of transporting up to 29 troops or a mix of personnel and cargo. Its underslung load capacity is up to 4,750 kilograms. The cabin is designed for modular configurations and can support medical evacuation missions with space for up to 11 stretchers. The avionics suite includes a glass cockpit, multifunction displays, a digital mapping system, and an autopilot function.
Airbus states that more than 350 H225 and H225M helicopters are in service worldwide, with over 880,000 total flight hours recorded. (Picture source: Airbus)
The H225M has been used in various military operations, including evacuations during the 2006 Lebanon conflict and operational deployments in Afghanistan. Airbus states that more than 350 H225 and H225M helicopters are in service worldwide, with over 880,000 total flight hours recorded. Brazil’s acquisition of 50 H225M units reflects the broader use of the model. While the H225M was initially developed for the French military, it has since been incorporated into numerous armed forces across different continents. The model continues to be produced and delivered under various national contracts.
In parallel with the Airbus agreement, Iraq’s potential acquisition of the French Rafale fighter aircraft remains under discussion. As of April 2025, various sources report that Iraq is advancing negotiations with France for a possible deal involving twelve Rafale jets in the F4 standard, including a complete package of munitions, spare parts, pilot training, and maintenance support. The estimated value of the deal is around $3 billion, and reports indicate that Iraq has already made a down payment of $240 million, with the remainder of the payment to be made in oil deliveries. Iraq reportedly aims to obtain the full F4 configuration, including MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, though diplomatic efforts have allegedly sought to limit the transfer of certain munitions.
Iraq’s pursuit of the Rafale follows the reported cancellation of an earlier agreement with Pakistan for twelve JF-17 Block III fighter aircraft, which had been signed alongside a contract for twelve PAC Mushshak trainer planes. That agreement was valued at approximately $1.8 billion. The pursuit of this aircraft is linked to the operational challenges faced by Iraq’s F-16IQ fleet, particularly following the withdrawal of American maintenance contractors. The goal of acquiring Rafales is part of broader efforts to restore the Iraqi Air Force’s operational capacity.
