Iraq signs deal to buy 12 Airbus combat helicopters

Baghdad signed with Airbus on Thursday to buy 14 Airbus helicopters, including 12 Caracal H225M multi-role fighters.

The deal reflects Iraq's determination to enhance its defensive capabilities in the face of still-active extremist cells.

The contract was signed by the Director of the Airbus Helicopters branch in the Middle East and North Africa, Arnaud Montalvo, and the Director of the General Directorate of Armament and Equipment at the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, Major General Mohammed Hussein Moula, in the presence of the Iraqi Minister of Defense, Thabet Al-Abbasi, and the French Ambassador to Iraq, Patrick Dorrell, according to French media.

The French Embassy in Baghdad explained that the agreement includes a total of 14 helicopters, including 12 Caracal H225M fighters.

Delivery will begin in early 2025 and will take several months.

"Today's signing is the result of long-term discussions between French President Emmanuel Macron and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani," Dorrell said in a brief speech at the end of the ceremony, adding, "We are proud today to have achieved this result that will enable Iraq to strengthen its capabilities and sovereignty."

For his part, Al-Abbasi stressed that the aim of the agreement is to "strengthen the capabilities of the Iraqi army and its aviation."

The heavy "Caracal H225M" helicopter (11 tons) is used for search and rescue missions, transport, attack or even special forces.