First two H225M Caracal helicopters delivered to Iraqi Army Aviation
The Defence Minister said that the helicopters will enter service in June 2025, coinciding with the anniversary of the founding of the Army Aviation Command. The helicopters will be operated by the 88th Helicopter Squadron, based at the 1st Army Aviation Base at Taji Air Base. This unit previously operated six French-built SA342M Gazelle helicopters until 2022, though the new Caracals will actually replace Mil Mi-17s.
Once delivered to Iraq, these helicopters will be used for a variety of roles, including tactical troop transport and special operations, counter-terrorism, ground fire support, MEDEVAC and combat search and rescue missions. It has been said that the integration of the Caracal will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Army Aviation Corps, particularly in challenging weather and terrain.
Three H225Ms for the Iraqi Army Aviation Command have been seen at Marignane (Marseille-Provence). The first two, YI-521 (F-ZKCO c/n 3140) and YI-522 (F-ZWDQ c/n 3141) were handed over during the ceremony.
Bruno Even, the CEO of Airbus Helicopters said that: “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. It has proven its worth and saved many lives since entering into service. The H225M is unmatched in terms of range, payload and also mission systems. It has been designed to operate challenging missions in the most demanding environments. We are looking forward to seeing the H225M contribute to Iraq’s safety and sovereignty.”
Benefiting from Airbus’ continuous improvement policy, the H225M is now equipped with new avionics, an enhanced main gear box, airborne communication systems and can be equipped with the HForce weapon system. The maximum take off weight has been increased by 160 kg and now stands at 11,160 kg.
There are more than 350 H225s and H225Ms in service across the world, with military customers including France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary. The fleet has amassed more than 880,000 flying hours.
