On September 5, 2024, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense formalized an agreement with Airbus Helicopters to purchase a fleet of 14 military helicopters, comprising 12 new H225M Caracal models and two additional helicopters of a different type. The contract signing took place in Baghdad and was attended by Iraq’s Defense Minister Thabet Muhammad Saeed Al-Abbasi, French Ambassador Patrick Durel, and a representative from Airbus Helicopters. According to the agreement, deliveries are expected to begin in early 2025.
As reported on August 13, 2024, interest in the potential acquisition of H225M Caracal helicopters had been rising following a statement by General Tahseen Al-Khafaji, spokesperson for the Joint Operations Command, in an interview with Al Iraqiya television on July 31, 2024. General Al-Khafaji indicated that discussions were underway for a possible contract with France involving the H225M Caracal, describing the aircraft as suitable for a variety of operational environments in Iraq. He noted that political and military leaders were working to finalize the agreement, though he did not provide additional details, which left the status of the deal open to interpretation.
Based on comparable agreements, the cost for the 12 H225M Caracal helicopters could be around 800 million euros, similar to a deal signed with the United Arab Emirates in December 2021. The specific financial terms of Iraq’s contract have not been disclosed. Previous negotiations for the Caracal helicopters encountered challenges, including reported hesitancy from the French Ministry of Economy and Finance to provide financial guarantees to French companies involved in business with Iraqi authorities. Recent developments, however, suggest that these obstacles have been addressed.
The contract with Airbus results from discussions that began in January 2023, when Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani visited Paris and met with representatives from French defense manufacturers and Airbus. These talks covered potential acquisitions, including helicopters, radars, and Dassault Rafale fighter jets. Ambassador Durel confirmed that the recent agreement was a product of “exchanges and discussions” between French President Emmanuel Macron and the Iraqi Prime Minister, suggesting that it is part of Iraq’s broader plan to enhance its military capabilities.