Aiming to replace various Russian-made platforms, such as the Mil Mi-17 helicopters, the Iraqi Army has begun the process of receiving and incorporating the new Airbus H225M. This significant development was revealed through an official post on Airbus Helicopters’ social media, in which the European consortium announced the delivery of the first two units to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.
Currently, and as previously reported, the Iraqi Army Aviation operates a diverse and extensive fleet of helicopters of various types and capabilities, acquired from different suppliers.
For example, one group consists of models acquired from the United States, such as the Bell OH-58C Kiowa, Bell 505 JetRanger X, Bell T407, Bell IA-407, Bell 206 JetRanger, and Bell UH-1H Huey II.
Another major group includes Russian-made transport and attack helicopters, such as the Mil Mi-28 and Mil Mi-35 Hind-E in the first case, and the Mil Mi-17 in the second. However, due to the difficulties caused by international sanctions imposed on Russia—which have hindered maintenance and sustainment—the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and Army have launched a program to replace part of these platforms.
This initiative materialized in early September when Airbus Helicopters was awarded a contract to supply twelve (12) new H225M helicopters to replace the Russian-origin Mil Mi-17s.
With the delivery of the first two units, the Iraqi Army formally begins the process of replacing some of its Russian-made aircraft with a new platform. The missions expected to be carried out by the H225M include counterterrorism, special operations, tactical troop transport, attack, close air support, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and combat search and rescue (CSAR).
Lastly, as noted last year, with this acquisition—formalized through the delivery of the first two helicopters—Iraq joins a prominent group of global operators of the H225M. These include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary, bringing the global fleet to a total of 350 aircraft in service.
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