Iraq has ordered an unspecified number of H225M multi-role helicopters from Airbus to fill potential capability gaps caused by US troops’ pending withdrawal from the country.
Joint Operations Command spokesperson Major General Tahseen Al-Khafaji revealed in a televised interview that Baghdad has officially signed a procurement contract with France, though he did not say how much exactly it is paying.
He said the purchase is for an air force fleet that covers all Iraqi operational zones as the country sets its sights on increasing its aerial power.
Formerly known as the Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, the H225M is designed to enable military forces to deploy “wherever and whenever needed.”
It has a maximum speed of 324 kilometers (201 miles) per hour, a climb rate of 3.6 meters (11.8 feet) per second, and an operational range of 1,482 kilometers (921 miles).
Apart from tactical transport, the helicopter can support special operations, combat search and rescue, and medical evacuation.
US Troops’ Pending Withdrawal
Earlier this year, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani demanded foreign troops in the country leave immediately amid soaring tensions in the region.
Sudani was allegedly being pressured by his Iran-aligned cabinet members, who wanted American troops out of the country.
He said the end of the international coalition “is a necessity for the security and stability of Iraq” and also for preserving constructive bilateral relations between Iraq and the coalition countries.
Though many analysts doubted that Baghdad would go through with it, Iranian news agency Tasnim revealed that Iraq’s foreign minister will visit Washington next month to finalize the decision.
Once American troops are out, Iraq is expected to address resurgence and terrorism in the country on its own.
Middle East analyst Ryan Bohl told Breaking Defense that the procurement of new tactical helicopters would certainly provide Iraqi units with greater mobility to combat non-state actors like ISIS.
