Will Iraq purchase 12 H225M Caracal helicopters from France?.

According to Opex360 on August 9, 2024, Iraq may have placed an order for 12 H225M Caracal helicopters from France. Although this development has not been officially confirmed, it represents a potential advancement in the military relationship between the two countries, reflecting ongoing discussions about various defense procurement deals.
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This potential order for H225M Caracal helicopters is part of Iraq's broader strategy to diversify its military procurement sources, balancing acquisitions from both Western and Eastern countries. (Picture source: Airbus)

Attention to the potential order for H225M Caracal helicopters increased following a recent interview with General Tahseen Al-Khafaji, spokesperson for the Joint Operations Command. During an interview on July 31, 2024, with Al Iraqiya television, General Al-Khafaji hinted at a possible contract with France concerning the H225M Caracal. He described the Caracal as an aircraft capable of operating in various environments in Iraq, suggesting that both political and military leaders are working towards finalizing the agreement. However, specific details were not provided, leading to speculation about whether a deal had been reached.

Based on comparable contracts signed by Airbus Helicopters, such as a deal with the United Arab Emirates in December 2021, the estimated cost for 12 H225M Caracal helicopters is approximately 800 million euros. This estimate provides a rough idea of the potential financial scope of the agreement. Negotiations for the Caracal helicopters have encountered challenges in the past. Reports indicate that discussions were previously hindered by the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, which was reluctant to provide financial guarantees to French companies engaging with Iraqi authorities. Despite these obstacles, the current situation suggests potential progress in the discussions.

This potential order for Caracal helicopters is part of Iraq's broader strategy to diversify its military procurement sources, balancing acquisitions from both Western and Eastern countries. This strategy includes ongoing deals with Russia for additional T-90 tanks. In recent years, Iraq and France have been engaged in a series of military negotiations aimed at enhancing Iraq's defense capabilities through strategic partnerships. These discussions have focused on several key areas, including the procurement of modern military equipment, joint military exercises, and the modernization of Iraq's defense infrastructure.

The H225M is based on the Cougar family of helicopters but incorporates upgrades such as a five-bladed main rotor and a reinforced main gearbox to improve the helicopter's payload capacity, range, and speed. (Picture source: Airbus)

Iraq has shown interest in acquiring various French military systems, notably fighter jets, drones, and artillery systems. Negotiations have included a deal for 14 Rafale jets, which are to be paid for with Iraqi oil instead of cash, illustrating a unique financial arrangement between the two nations. Despite the expressed interest from the Iraqi Air Force, these discussions have not yet produced a finalized agreement, and the current status of these negotiations remains unclear. Additionally, Iraq is considering purchasing French drones and has sent delegations to France to evaluate these systems.

Cooperation between Iraq and France also extends to joint military exercises, such as those involving Rafale jets in Iraqi airspace. Furthermore, there has been speculation regarding Iraq's interest in acquiring the CAESAr artillery system. In May 2022, Iraqi officials suggested that a contract had been signed for this system, but this claim was not substantiated in the 2023 report from the French Parliament on arms exports, which did not list any such order from Iraq. In contrast, a confirmed transaction between Iraq and France to enhance Iraq's air defense structure involves the purchase of GM403 radars from Thales, with a deal signed in October 2020. This agreement was officially acknowledged two years later during the foundation-laying ceremony for the future Operations Center of the Iraqi Air Defense Command, illustrating continued defense collaboration between the two countries.

The H225M Caracal, initially known as the Eurocopter EC725, is a medium-sized, twin-engine military helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters. Derived from the Cougar Mk2, it was designed to meet the demands of combat search and rescue (CSAR), special operations, and tactical transport missions. The helicopter first flew in November 2000 and entered service with the French Air Force in 2005. Since then, it has been adopted by various military forces worldwide, including those in Brazil, Malaysia, and Singapore, due to its versatility and advanced avionics.

The H225M has a maximum range of about 1,200 kilometers with additional fuel tanks and a service ceiling of 6,095 meters (20,000 feet), making it suitable for high-altitude operations. (Picture source: Airbus)

The H225M is based on the Cougar family of helicopters but incorporates upgrades such as a five-bladed main rotor and a reinforced main gearbox. These improvements enhance the helicopter's payload capacity, range, and speed. The helicopter has been used in several significant missions, including evacuations during the 2006 Lebanon conflict and support operations in Afghanistan. Orders from countries such as Brazil, which acquired 50 units, demonstrate the helicopter's widespread use.

The H225M is recognized for its medium-lift capabilities and technical specifications. It is powered by two Safran Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines, each providing 2,382 horsepower, allowing the helicopter to achieve a maximum speed of approximately 324 km/h. The H225M has a maximum range of about 1,200 kilometers with additional fuel tanks and a service ceiling of 6,095 meters (20,000 feet), making it suitable for high-altitude operations. Its five-blade main rotor system is designed to enhance lift and reduce vibration, contributing to stable flight performance.

The helicopter can carry up to 29 troops or a combination of personnel and cargo, with a total payload capacity of up to 4,750 kg for underslung loads. The cabin is adaptable and can be configured for various missions, including medical evacuation, with space for up to 11 stretchers. The H225M is equipped with advanced avionics, including a glass cockpit with multifunction displays, a digital map, and an autopilot system, which reduces pilot workload and supports mission execution in complex environments.