Iraq has signed a landmark agreement with Airbus to purchase 12 new H225M Caracal helicopters, signaling a move away from its longstanding reliance on Russian-made military equipment.
Replace Soviet-Era Helicopters
The deal, signed in early September 2024, is aimed at replacing Iraq’s aging fleet of Soviet-era Mi-17 helicopters, which have been in service since the Cold War era. The Mi-17s, originally produced in the Soviet Union, are still in use today, but Iraq is now looking westward for its military upgrades.
For over two decades, Iraq has maintained relatively strong ties with Russia, dating back to the early 2000s when Moscow provided intelligence to Saddam Hussein’s regime, according to WP.
In 2009, Russian oil giants Lukoil and Gazprom secured major oil contracts in Iraq. By 2018, Iraq had received advanced T-90 tanks from Russia, and in 2020, it was even considering purchasing Russia’s S-400 missile system. Given this history, many expected Iraq to continue sourcing its military hardware from Russia.
Chooses France Instead
However, Iraq’s defense leadership, including Defense Minister Thabet Abbassi, has chosen to diversify and modernize its fleet by turning to France’s Airbus. The deal deepens diplomatic ties between Iraq and France, with deliveries of the helicopters expected to begin in 2025.
The Airbus H225M Caracal is a state-of-the-art multi-role military helicopter. It measures nearly 66 feet (20 meters) long and can carry up to 28 passengers or about 5 tons of cargo.
With a top speed of 200 mph (320 km/h) and a range of 560 miles (900 km), it is designed for combat and search-and-rescue missions. Its HForce weapons system supports air-to-ground missiles, rockets, and machine guns, making it a highly capable asset for the Iraqi military.
