Airbus Helicopters has secured a contract with the Iraq Ministry of Defence for 12 H225M multi-role helicopters. The agreement was formalised in Baghdad by Iraq's Defence Minister, Mr Thabet al-Abbassi, with French Ambassador Patrick Durel present. These helicopters will be utilised by the Iraqi Army Aviation Command, replacing older Mi-17s and expanding their operational capabilities to include counter-terrorism, special operations, tactical troop transport, attack, ground fire support, MEDEVAC, and combat search and rescue missions. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2025. Iraq already operates Airbus helicopters from the H125, H135, and H145 families.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed his satisfaction at welcoming a new member to the H225M family. “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 demonstrated its value and saved many lives since entering service,” he added. “The H225M is unmatched in terms of range, payload, and mission systems. It is designed to perform demanding missions in the most challenging environments. We look forward to seeing the H225M contribute to Iraq's safety and sovereignty.”
The H225M has proven its reliability and durability in combat and crisis situations. With continuous improvements from Airbus, the H225M now features new avionics, an enhanced main gearbox, advanced airborne communication systems, and the capability to be equipped with the HForce weapon system. The maximum take-off weight has been increased by 160 kg to reach 11,160 kg.
There are over 350 H225s and H225Ms in service globally, accumulating more than 880,000 flight hours. Military operators include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary.
