Airbus Helicopters has secured a contract to supply Iraq with 12 H225M multi-mission helicopters for deployment to the Iraqi Army Aviation Command, with deliveries scheduled to start in 2025. Baghdad announced the procurement of the aircraft on Friday.
The aircraft will join Iraq’s helicopter fleet of Airbus H125, H135 and H145.
Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even welcomed Iraq as a new H225M user, describing the aircraft as “a combat-proven platform” serving other military forces worldwide. “We are looking forward to seeing the H225M contribute to Iraq’s safety and sovereignty,” he said.
Other countries using the H225 M are Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil and Hungary.
According to a company statement, the H225M has been upgraded with new avionics, and the main gearbox and airborne communication systems have also been enhanced, following Airbus’ continuous improvement policy.
The Iraqi Army Aviation Command will use the H225Ms to replace its old Russian-made Mi-17s. In February, Baghdad requested the United States replace the aircraft with Bell helicopters because of parts shortages due to the Russia-Ukraine war.