ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Iraqi defense ministry on Wednesday received two tactical transport military helicopters from the French aviation giant Airbus. This is part of a deal signed last year, under which Iraq will also purchase an additional 12 helicopters from Airbus.
The Iraqi defense minister, Thabet al-Abbassi, was cited in a ministry statement as saying that the receipt of these aircraft is “part of a contract between the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and the French Ministry of Defense, to supply the Army Aviation Command with this type of aircraft, which will be received successively after completing the manufacturing process.”
He further noted that the two helicopters will enter service in June, coinciding with the anniversary of the establishment of the Army Aviation Command.
In September 2024, Iraq and Airbus signed an agreement under which the French company will provide Iraq with a total of 14 helicopters, including 12 Airbus H225M helicopters, also known as Caracal.
This agreement is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen defense relations between Baghdad and Paris, following a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.
Tahseen al-Khafaji, Director of Media at the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, told Rudaw on Wednesday that, according to the agreement, Airbus will deliver all 14 helicopters by the start of next year.
He also mentioned that the two helicopters that arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday will be handed over to the Iraqi Air Force on May 26.
He also stated that between June and October, six more helicopters will arrive in Baghdad.
