H225M Caracal Helicopter Delivery Enhances Iraq’s Defense
Iraq has successfully received two H225M Caracal medium-lift helicopters from Airbus, a significant step towards modernizing its air capabilities. This delivery is part of a larger contract that includes a total of 14 helicopters, signed between the Iraqi government and Airbus last year. The helicopters were officially handed over to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense in Baghdad and are expected to be transferred to the Iraqi Air Force within the month.
These advanced helicopters are poised to enter active service by June, enhancing Iraq’s defense operations considerably. Following this initial delivery, six additional helicopters are scheduled to arrive between June and October, with the complete batch expected to be delivered by early 2026. The addition of the Caracal helicopters is aimed at fortifying the defense relationship between Iraq and France, while also improving the operational capacity of the Iraqi Air Force in the wake of the recent withdrawal of US troops.
Specifications and Capabilities of the H225M Caracal
The H225M Caracal is engineered as a long-range tactical military helicopter, specializing in various roles including troop transport, casualty evacuation, and combat search and rescue missions. With the ability to accommodate up to 28 troops or carry a payload of 12,500 pounds (5,670 kilograms), it is a versatile asset for any air force. The helicopter boasts a maximum speed of 201 miles (324 kilometers) per hour, making it an agile solution for military operations.
The H225M is already in use by several countries, including Brazil, Indonesia, and the Netherlands. Notably, the Netherlands recently ordered 12 of these helicopters to replace its aging AS532 Cougar fleet, which had been utilized for demanding special forces operations. This highlights the Caracal’s reputation as a reliable choice for nations looking to upgrade their military aviation capabilities.
