Iraq has become the latest customer for the Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal, placing an order for a dozen examples of the heavy-twin.
Deliveries are due to start in 2025, with the new helicopters replacing older Mil Mi-17s operated by the Iraqi Army Aviation Command.
Cirium fleets data indicates that the service currently operates 41 Russian-built Mi-8/171s.
Missions for the H225M include counter-terrorism, special operations, tactical troop transport, attack, ground fire support, medevac, and combat search and rescue.
An unspecified number of the Iraqi Caracals will be equipped with Airbus Helicopters’ HForce modular weapons system.
Military customers for the 11t-class helicopter include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary.
The Netherlands should also be on that list, having last June selected the H225M for a 14-unit requirement. However, the airframer confirms the contract is still under negotiation.
Regardless, the H225 is currently reaping a rich seam of commercial activity, bouncing back from a 2023 during which in registered zero orders. The biggest deal so far this year was June’s selection by the German interior ministry for an up to 44-unit acquisition for the Bundezpolizei.
