Iraq agreed on Thursday with European company Airbus to purchase 12 multi-role H225M Caracal combat helicopters. The agreement was signed by a representative of Airbus Helicopters and a brigadier from the Iraqi Air Force at the Ministry of Defense in Baghdad, in the presence of Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Al-Abbasi and the French Ambassador to Iraq, Patrick Durel.
Arnaud Montalvo, Director of Airbus Helicopters in the Middle East and North Africa, confirmed that the agreement includes the delivery of 12 H225M helicopters starting from the beginning of 2025. According to the French Press Agency, the French ambassador to Iraq stated, “Today’s signing is the fruit of long-term discussions between French President Emmanuel Macron and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani,” adding, “We are proud today that we have achieved this result that will enable Iraq to enhance its capabilities and sovereignty.” In January 2023, Sudani held talks in Paris with representatives from the French groups Thales and Dassault, as well as the European Airbus group, about the potential acquisition by Baghdad of radars, Rafale fighters, and military helicopters.
Iraq has been actively modernizing its air force and has made significant moves in its aircraft procurement strategy. Recently, Iraq finalized agreements to purchase 14 Dassault Rafale fighter jets from France, a deal valued at approximately $3.2 billion. These aircraft are intended to replace the older F-16IQ jets currently in use, which have been challenging to maintain.
In addition to the Rafale jets, Iraq is also reported to have reached an agreement with Pakistan for the purchase of 12 JF-17C Thunder Block III fighter jets. This deal, valued at around $1.8 billion, marks a significant expansion of Iraq’s military capabilities and represents Pakistan’s largest defense sale.
