On September 5, 2024, Iraq signed a landmark cope with Airbus to amass 12 new H225M helicopters, alongside two refurbished models. These versatile helicopters are set to affix the Iraqi Military Aviation Command, stepping in to interchange the getting older Mi-17 helicopters.
The acquisition has garnered robust assist from Iraqi politicians and army officers alike. Iraqi Protection Minister Thabet al-Abbassi highlighted that this transfer is a part of a broader technique to modernize Iraq’s army capabilities, notably inside its aviation sector.
In accordance with al-Abbassi, the brand new helicopters are anticipated to considerably improve the operational readiness of the Iraqi military and army aviation. This improve goals to supply a extra sturdy response to ongoing safety challenges, together with combating the remnants of ISIS. Given the present safety panorama, this modernization is essential for Iraq’s protection technique.
The settlement underscores the strengthening diplomatic relationship between Iraq and France. On the signing ceremony, French Ambassador to Iraq, Patrick Durel, highlighted the strategic bond between the 2 nations, mentioning that this contract stemmed from pivotal discussions led by French President Emmanuel Macron and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani. Durel conveyed his optimism that this partnership wouldn’t solely enhance Iraq’s protection capabilities but additionally improve their bilateral ties.
Iraqi army leaders have welcomed the acquisition with open arms. They see the H225M helicopters as extremely adaptable, able to tackle a variety of missions from particular operations and medical evacuations to counter-terrorism efforts.
The Joint Operations Command of Iraq has praised the H225M for its superior efficiency in all climate circumstances and its prolonged operational vary. They think about it a considerable improve from the getting older Russian Mi-17 helicopters it is going to exchange.
The H225Ms will likely be a flexible addition to Iraq’s army arsenal, enhancing operations reminiscent of counter-terrorism, tactical troop transport, and medical evacuations. This acquisition is a key a part of Iraq’s technique to improve its protection capabilities amid ongoing regional safety challenges.
Deliveries of those helicopters are slated to begin in early 2025. Earlier than supply, the helicopters will endure modernization. This deal highlights the strengthening protection ties between Iraq and France, with high-level discussions between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani and French President Emmanuel Macron being pivotal in sealing the settlement.
Whereas Iraq has beforehand acquired helicopters from producers like Bell and Russian suppliers, this partnership with Airbus demonstrates a transparent choice for the French-engineered H225M, famend for its adaptability and efficiency in difficult circumstances.
Iraq operates a fleet of round 30 to 40 Russian Mi-17 [known to NATO as “Hip”] helicopters, acquired over a number of phases. The primary installment of Mi-17s arrived within the early 2000s, quickly after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
As Iraq’s army targeted on fast rebuilding, further Mi-17s had been bought in 2006, 2008, and all through the 2010s. These helicopters are famend for his or her reliability and talent to perform in powerful circumstances, proving important in Iraq’s army operations, particularly in the course of the battle in opposition to ISIS between 2014 and 2017.
The Mi-17s have been instrumental in fight and assist missions, reminiscent of transporting troops, conducting medical evacuations, and delivering provides to distant areas. They’ve been essential in counter-terrorism initiatives, notably in offering air assist throughout floor offensives in opposition to ISIS.
Nevertheless, as these helicopters aged, maintaining them operational grew to become an actual problem because of the shortage of spare elements, notably from Russian suppliers. Whereas some Mi-17s acquired upgrades in avionics and communication techniques, many are nearing the tip of their service life.
The transfer to interchange the Mi-17 fleet with French Airbus H225M helicopters comes all the way down to a number of key components. Chief amongst them is the issue in acquiring spare elements for the Russian helicopters, an issue exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and sanctions.
Furthermore, the Mi-17s, though extremely efficient in previous missions, at the moment are seen as technically outdated in comparison with newer, extra superior helicopters just like the H225M. The French helicopters boast superior avionics, larger payload capability, and a broader vary of mission capabilities, from search and rescue to fight assist and particular operations.
By shifting to the H225M, Iraq goals to modernize its army aviation capabilities whereas decreasing its dependency on Russian army expertise. The Airbus helicopters are usually not solely extra versatile however are additionally higher suited to satisfy Iraq’s present safety wants due to their broad mission capabilities.
Furthermore, the H225M advantages from European suppliers, making certain extra dependable entry to elements and repair contracts. This interprets to greater operational readiness with out the provision chain disruptions typically seen with the Mi-17 fleet.
The Airbus H225M is a multi-role helicopter designed primarily for army purposes, acknowledged for its excellent efficiency in numerous fight and assist missions. Powered by two Safran Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines, every producing 1,776 kW [2,382 hp], it could actually attain a high pace of 324 km/h [201 mph] and boasts a variety of 1,148 kilometers when outfitted with exterior gasoline tanks.
The helicopter boasts a most takeoff weight of 11,200 kg, able to transporting as much as 28 troops or roughly 5,000 kg of cargo, relying on mission specifics.
Extensively acknowledged for its cutting-edge avionics and communication techniques, the H225M contains a full-glass cockpit with digital shows and a flight administration system [FMS]. Armed with the HForce weapon system, the helicopter is prepared for fight missions, supporting air-to-ground missiles, rockets, and machine weapons.
For protection, it comes outfitted with radar warning receivers, missile launch detectors, and chaff/flare dispensers, enhancing its survivability in adversarial conditions. Moreover, the helicopter can navigate autonomously and function seamlessly underneath each day and night time circumstances.
Constructed for the hardest missions, the H225M has distinguished itself in each fight and disaster conditions worldwide, starting from particular operations to search-and-rescue [SAR] missions. Its sturdy development and functionality to perform in harsh climate circumstances guarantee its reliability in land and maritime settings.
Furthermore, the H225M’s subtle primary gearbox and five-bladed rotor system decrease vibration and improve efficiency, offering a strategic benefit in intricate missions.
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