Iraqi Army

Airbus H225M instead of Mi-17
Iraq sorts out Russian Mil helicopters
The Iraqi army aviation has been struggling with its Mil Mi-17 helicopters for some time. The war in Ukraine has eroded the supply of spare parts. That is why the Iraqis are now taking action - and buying twelve H225Ms from Airbus as supplements and replacements.

Patrick Zwerger
09.09.2024

The contract has been signed and deliveries will start as planned in 2025: Iraq will be Airbus Helicopters' latest customer for the H225M multi-purpose transport helicopter. Twelve "Super Cougar" helicopters will soon be joining the ranks of the Iraqi army's aviation team. The Iraqis want to use the new helicopters in a variety of ways. In addition to classic troop transport, they will also be used for MedEvac and anti-terror missions as well as search and rescue missions.



The Iraqi army aviation has so far primarily relied on the Russian Mil Mi-17.

Problems with Mi-17 parts
All of these tasks have so far been performed by a large number of Russian Mil Mi-17s. The most recent of these optionally armed transport helicopters only arrived in Iraq brand new from Russia around 2010. However, the Iraqi army complained last year that the supply of spare parts from Russia had practically collapsed since spring 2022 due to the war in Ukraine. The massive increase in Russian domestic demand is apparently gradually cutting off export customers such as Iraq from manufacturer support, which is why the availability of the Mi-8/Mi-17 fleet, which officially comprises around 40 helicopters, is continuously decreasing.

The Airbus H225M has been flying since 2000 and is now in service with numerous armed forces. Around 350 H225 and H225M have been built to date.

Tried and tested in battle
The Iraqis now see the Airbus H225M as a suitable replacement that will remedy this shortcoming during ongoing operations and at least partially replace the Mi-17. After signing the contract, Airbus Helicopters boss Bruno Even was delighted to welcome "a new member to the H225M operator family". The H225M is "a battle-tested platform that is used by many operators worldwide, including the French Air Force, for search and rescue missions," Even stressed. The eleven-ton class helicopter, which made its maiden flight in 2000, "was developed for demanding missions in the most demanding environments" and has "proven itself since it entered service."