In Iraqi military aviation, the H225M Caracal will be used for a broad range of missions, including personnel and equipment transport as well as support for special operations forces. The aircraft will enable the gradual replacement of older Mi-17 helicopters currently in service.
The Republic of Iraq’s Minister of Defense has officially taken delivery of the first two #H225M CARACAL 🚁.
These helicopters will soon be operated by the Iraqi Army Aviation for a wide range of missions, including tactical troop transport and Special operations, among others. pic.twitter.com/HI6owa9yKO— Airbus Helicopters (@AirbusHeli) April 30, 2025
The helicopters delivered to Iraq are equipped with the HForce system, which enables the integration and use of externally mounted weaponry. Their introduction is expected to strengthen the capabilities of Iraq’s security forces, which continue to operate against internal Islamist militant threats.
The H225M Caracal is produced by Airbus and is in use with an increasing number of countries worldwide. Current operators include France, Brazil, Hungary, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, and Thailand, with the Netherlands awaiting deliveries for its special forces.
In recent years, Iraq has undertaken steady procurement efforts to modernise and expand the capacity of its armed forces. Airbus has previously supplied Iraq with 24 H135 multi-role helicopters used for observation, liaison, and ground support missions.
