The Iraqi Ministry of Defence has signed a contract for 12 H225M Helicopters from leading aerospace manufacturer Airbus.
The new helicopters will be used by Iraqi Army Aviation and will replace old Russian-made Mi-17 aircraft on missions such as counter-terrorism, special operations, tactical troop transport, attack, ground fire support, MEDEVAC and combat search and rescue.
The contract was signed in Baghdad by the Minister of Defence of Iraq Mr Thabet al-Abbassi in the presence of the French Ambassador Patrick Durel.
“We are very pleased to welcome a new member in the H225M family,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “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,” he added.
“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.”
The Airbus H225M is a long-range tactical transport helicopter known for its versatility and robustness in military operations. As part of the Super Puma family, it can carry up to 28 troops or cargo, perform search and rescue missions, or provide medical evacuation under demanding conditions.
Powered by two Makila 2A1 engines, the H225M excels in high-altitude, extreme weather, and night operations thanks to advanced avionics, auto-pilot, and cutting-edge sensors. Its armour, defensive systems, and external fuel tanks also make it suitable for combat operations and long-range missions.
