Iraq Boosts Defense with Strategic Acquisition of 12 Airbus H225M Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters has secured a deal for 12 H225M multi-role helicopters from the Republic of Iraq. The agreement was formalized in Baghdad by Iraq’s Minister of Defence, Mr. Thabet al-Abbassi, in the presence of French Ambassador Patrick Durel. These helicopters will be utilized by the Iraqi Army Aviation Command, replacing older Mi-17s for a broader spectrum of operations: counter-terrorism, special missions, tactical troop transport, assault, ground fire assistance, MEDEVAC, and combat search and rescue. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2025. Iraq already operates a fleet of Airbus helicopters from the H125, H135, and H145 series.
“We are extremely delighted to welcome a new addition to the H225M family,” stated Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H225M is a battle-tested platform utilized globally by numerous operators, including the French Air Force, for combat search and rescue operations. It has demonstrated its capabilities and saved many lives since its inception,” he continued. “The H225M excels in range, payload, and mission systems. It has been crafted to execute demanding missions in the most rigorous environments. We eagerly anticipate the H225M enhancing Iraq’s security and sovereignty.”
The H225M has demonstrated its dependability and longevity in combat scenarios and crisis regions. Benefitting from Airbus’ ongoing enhancement initiatives, the H225M is now upgraded with advanced avionics, an improved main gear box, aerial communication systems, and can be outfitted with the HForce weapon system. The maximum take-off weight has been boosted by 160 kg, achieving a total of 11,160 kg.
There are over 350 H225s and H225Ms operational globally, accumulating more than 880,000 flight hours. Military clients encompass France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary.
