Iraq signs contract with Airbus Helicopters for 12 Caracal H225M

Iraq signed a contract on Thursday with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus Helicopters to purchase 12 multirole combat helicopters of the Caracal H225M type, as reported by an AFP journalist.

The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Defense in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, and was attended by Iraq's Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbassi and French Ambassador Patrick Durel, along with a representative from Airbus Helicopters and a general from the Iraqi Air Force.

The agreement involves the delivery of 12 H225M helicopters, which will begin arriving in Iraq in early 2025, with deliveries spread over several months.

The financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

In January 2023, during a visit to Paris, the Iraqi Prime Minister held discussions with representatives from French companies Thales and Dassault, as well as Airbus, regarding the potential acquisition of radars, Rafale fighter jets, and military helicopters by Baghdad.

Both France and Iraq have frequently expressed their desire to strengthen their bilateral defense cooperation. France currently deploys troops in Iraq as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition led by the United States, aimed at combating the Islamic State (IS) group.