Iraq Takes Delivery of First H225M Caracal Helicopters
Iraq has officially taken delivery of its first two Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters, marking a major step forward in modernizing the country’s rotary-wing capabilities. These aircraft are the initial batch from a September 2024 order for twelve units and were formally handed over to Iraqi Defence Minister Thabet Al-Abbasi on April 30 at Airbus Helicopters’ headquarters in Marignane, southern France.
Role of H225Ms in the Iraqi Army Aviation Command
The new helicopters will be operated by the Iraqi Army Aviation Command and are set to replace the aging Mil Mi-17 helicopters that have served the country for decades. As 11-ton-class heavy twin-engine aircraft, the H225Ms are designed for a wide range of missions. These include counter-terrorism, special operations, tactical troop transport, medical evacuation, and fire support. Their arrival signals a major capability boost for Iraqi military aviation.
Weapons and Systems on Iraqi Army H225M Helicopters
A number of Iraq’s H225Ms are expected to feature Airbus Helicopters’ HForce modular weapons system, which enables the integration of a wide range of advanced munitions and targeting tools. Potential weapon configurations include a pair of 7.62 mm FN MAG machine guns mounted at the cabin windows, 68 mm rocket launchers with 19 rockets per pod, and air-launched MU90 Impact torpedoes for naval applications. In addition, the helicopters can be armed with Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, gun pods, and precision-guided rockets through the HForce Generic Weapon System (GWS). These can be targeted using the Thales Scorpion helmet-mounted sight display and Wescam electro-optical sensors.
Survivability and Self-Protection Enhancements
Other global operators of the H225M, such as Brazil, have equipped their variants with advanced self-protection systems, including countermeasures like chaff, flares, radar warning receivers, and infrared jammers. Similar systems are likely to be incorporated into Iraq’s fleet, ensuring survivability in high-threat environments.
How H225Ms Outperform Iraq’s Mi-171 Helicopters
Compared to the Mi-171s, the H225M offers significant operational advantages. Its superior range, speed, and payload capacity make it ideal for rapid troop deployment and extraction, even in challenging terrain or combat zones. It also brings a higher level of battlefield survivability through redundant flight systems, ballistic protection, and advanced electronic warfare suites. Furthermore, the integration of digital communications and sensor fusion capabilities supports network-centric warfare—a capability not available in the older Soviet-era Mi-171s.
Strategic Impact of H225M Caracals on Iraqi Military Operations
With this acquisition, Iraq is making a strategic leap toward a more modern, NATO-interoperable rotary fleet. The H225Ms will dramatically enhance the effectiveness of Iraqi Army Aviation in both peacetime and wartime scenarios. Whether it’s supporting ground troops during counter-insurgency missions or providing rapid response in crisis situations, these helicopters are set to play a vital role in strengthening national defense.
Overview of the Airbus H225M Caracal
The H225M Caracal, a member of the Super Puma family, is a long-range tactical transport helicopter designed by Airbus Helicopters for high-intensity combat operations. With a maximum take-off weight of 11 tons and a flight range of up to 700 km (extendable with auxiliary fuel tanks), the H225M is a proven workhorse in global armed forces, including those of France, Brazil, and Malaysia.
Key Specifications:
- Maximum speed: 324 km/h (175 knots)
- Cruising speed: 285 km/h
- Range: 700 km (extendable to over 1,300 km with external tanks)
- Endurance: Over 5.5 hours
- Service ceiling: 6,095 meters (20,000 feet)
- Payload capacity: Up to 28 troops or 5,670 kg of cargo
- Engines: 2 × Turbomeca Makila 2A1 turboshafts, each delivering 2,382 shp
These specifications allow the H225M to undertake long-range missions, quickly deploy troops, and support logistical operations even in challenging environments like Iraq’s mountainous northern terrain or vast deserts.
Versatile Combat Capabilities of the H225M
Multi-Role Utility
The H225M is engineered for extreme versatility. Its modular design allows configuration for troop transport, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), combat search and rescue (CSAR), maritime surveillance, and fire support. Iraq plans to use these helicopters in:
- Special operations and counter-terrorism
- Tactical troop transport
- Attack and fire support
- Quick reaction force (QRF) deployments
Weapon Systems and HForce Integration
Some of the Iraqi H225Ms will be equipped with Airbus’ HForce modular weapon system, allowing rapid customization for different mission profiles. This system supports:
- 7.62mm FN MAG machine guns on both forward side windows
- 68mm rocket launchers with 19 rockets per pod
- Gun pods and Hellfire missiles for air-to-ground attack
- Helmet-mounted sight displays (Thales Scorpion HMSD) for targeting
- Electro-optical Wescam MX-15 sensor for surveillance and precision
Notably, in other nations’ service, such as Brazil, the H225M has even been configured to fire Exocet anti-ship missiles and deploy MU90 torpedoes for naval missions. While Iraq is not expected to use maritime configurations, the flexibility speaks volumes about the platform’s future potential.
Advanced Avionics and Self-Protection
The H225M features a fully glass cockpit with night-vision compatibility and integrated avionics for all-weather, day-and-night operation. Key systems include:
- Automatic flight control system (AFCS) with 4-axis autopilot
- Integrated mission planning and management systems
- FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) for night operations
- Satellite communications (SATCOM) and encrypted radios
To survive hostile airspace, the H225M incorporates:
- Thales self-protection suite with radar and missile warning systems
- Helibras-built chaff and flare dispensers (as seen in Brazilian versions)
- Ballistic protection for cockpit and critical systems
These systems dramatically reduce the helicopter’s vulnerability to radar-guided and heat-seeking missiles—critical in areas with insurgent threats or shoulder-fired MANPADS.
Comparison: H225M vs. Mi-171
The Mil Mi-17 (NATO: Hip), a Soviet-era platform, has long served Iraq’s helicopter fleet. However, the H225M offers substantial advantages:
| Feature | Mi-171 (Hip) | H225M Caracal |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 250 km/h | 324 km/h |
| Range | ~500 km | 700–1,300 km |
| Avionics | Analog/digital mix | Fully digital glass cockpit |
| Survivability | Basic flare systems | Advanced countermeasures suite |
| Payload | 24 troops | 28 troops / 5,670 kg cargo |
| Weapon System | Manual gun mounting | Modular HForce combat suite |
| Autonomy | Medium | High with autopilot integration |
This upgrade gives the Iraqi Army a leap in speed, range, survivability, and combat adaptability.
Impact on Iraqi Army Operations
Counter-Terrorism and Border Security
With ISIL remnants still active in remote regions, the H225Ms will allow rapid deployment of elite units to mountainous or hard-to-reach areas. The extended range and endurance will reduce dependency on forward bases, allowing quick-reaction strikes or special operations anywhere in Iraq.
Better Support for Special Forces
The Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF) can use the H225M for deep insertion missions behind enemy lines. With silent night operation capability, infrared sensors, and high cruising speed, these helicopters are ideal for clandestine missions.
Troop Mobility and Fire Support
During full-scale engagements or internal unrest, the H225M can deploy large numbers of troops rapidly with overwatch support from door gunners or weapon pods. Combined with real-time communications and targeting systems, they offer force multiplication in dynamic environments.
Humanitarian and Medical Operations
In peacetime or during disaster response, the H225M’s large internal volume and modular interior allow it to be used for medevac, disaster relief, and cargo transport across Iraq’s rugged terrain.
In Short
The delivery of Airbus H225M helicopters marks a transformative moment for the Iraqi Army Aviation Command. With superior speed, endurance, avionics, armament capabilities, and survivability, the H225M outclasses the Mi-17s it replaces in nearly every aspect. As Iraq continues to modernize its defense forces, these helicopters will be central to counter-terrorism, special operations, troop transport, and humanitarian missions—strengthening national security and operational flexibility.
