Iraq orders Airbus H225M helicopters
Deliveries will be expected to begin in 2025. (Photo: Airbus)
The new helicopters will join Airbus H125, H135 and H145 aircraft already in Iraqi service and replace older Mi-17s.
Iraq has placed an order with Airbus for 12 H225M multi-role helicopters to replace Mi-17s in counter-terrorism, special operations, tactical troop transport, attack, ground fire support, medical evacuation, and combat search and rescue (SAR) missions.
The helicopters will be operated by Iraqi Army Aviation command and join H125, H135 and H145 helicopters which are already in service in Iraq.
There are more than 350 H225s and H225Ms in service across the world, totalling more than 880,000 flight hours. Military customers include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil and Hungary. Shephard Defence Insight noted that 244 H225M have been ordered and 172 delivered.
The value of the Iraq contact has not been revealed but it has been estimated the aircraft has a unit cost of US$35 million.
The H225M incorporates safety features such as redundant dual-channel FADEC, embedded flight envelope limitation in the autopilot and blade-shedding technology.
The type can be equipped with a complete de-icing system compliant with FAR/JAR 29 regulations to fly in severe icing conditions, enabling it to be used as a combat SAR/personnel recovery platform and an all-weather SAR helicopter.
Recent notable events have included Singapore declaring its H225M fully operational earlier this year. In mid-2023, Hungary received its first two of the type which are part of an order for 16 of the aircraft.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI join forces to co-develop UAVs]()
Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI join forces to co-develop UAVs
The $510 million partnership will see Hanwha invest to co-develop and manufacture the Gray Eagle STOL, with a maiden flight test expected by 2027.
-
![Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway]()
Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway
The country was reportedly “months” away from an official aircraft selection, as of mid-March 2025.
-
![Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study]()
Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study
The ongoing study was first announced by Embraer in late 2024 with the Brazilian Air Force, with this latest addition announced during the LAAD defence and security exhibition.
-
![Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase]()
Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase
The potential sale, approved by the US to the Philippines, is for 20 F-16 Block 70/72 jets, days after US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited the country.
-
![Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft]()
Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft
The acquisition of four C-390 aircraft follows the country’s signing of an MoU in 2023 and formal selection in 2024. It will join the existing contract held by the Netherlands and Austria.
-
![Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year]()
Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year
The counter-UAS prototype, named Low-cost Air Defence or ‘LOAD’, will be used to combat kamikaze UAS.
