The Iraqi Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for 12 H225M multi-role helicopters.
The deal, announced on 6 September 2024, will see the new aircraft replace older Mi-17 helicopters in the Iraqi Army Aviation command.
Iraqi Defence Minister Thabet al-Abbassi signed the contract in Baghdad, with French Ambassador Patrick Durel in attendance.
The H225M helicopters will be used for a range of missions including counter-terrorism, special operations, troop transport, ground support and combat search and rescue.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2025.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, welcomed Iraq as a new customer for the H225M model.
“The H225M is a combat-proven platform used around the world by many operators, including the French Air Force, for combat search and rescue missions,” Even said.
He noted the aircraft’s range, payload capacity and mission systems as key strengths.
Iraq already operates other Airbus helicopter models including the H125, H135 and H145.
The H225M has seen combat use in various conflict zones globally. Recent upgrades include new avionics, an enhanced gearbox and improved communication systems.
The helicopter’s maximum takeoff weight has been increased by 160 kg to 11,160 kg.
Over 350 H225 and H225M helicopters are currently in service worldwide, having logged more than 880,000 flight hours.
Other military customers for the H225M include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil and Hungary.
