Bulgaria secures major upgrade with Airbus helicopter deal

Bulgarian Military announced that Iraq signed a pivotal agreement with Airbus for the procurement of 12 new H225M helicopters and two refurbished units, aimed at replacing the aging fleet of Mi-17 helicopters currently in use by the Iraqi Army Aviation Command. 

Iraq reached a significant agreement with Airbus for the acquisition of 12 new H225M helicopters, along with two refurbished ones on September 5, 2024. 

These helicopters will replace the older Mi-17 models currently in use by the Iraqi Army Aviation Command.   The deal has received strong backing from both Iraqi politicians and military leaders.

Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbassi noted that this acquisition is part of a larger initiative to modernize the country’s military assets, especially in the aviation sector.

He emphasized that the new helicopters will greatly improve the operational capabilities of the Iraqi military, enhancing its ability to address ongoing security issues, including the fight against ISIS. This modernization effort is seen as vital for strengthening Iraq's defense infrastructure. 

The agreement highlights the deepening diplomatic relationship between Iraq and France. At the signing ceremony, French Ambassador to Iraq Patrick Durel emphasized the strategic connection between the two nations, noting that the contract emerged from crucial discussions between French President Emmanuel Macron and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani. Durel expressed confidence that this partnership would not only enhance Iraq’s defense capabilities but also strengthen their bilateral relations.  

Iraqi military officials have enthusiastically embraced the acquisition. They view the H225M helicopters as highly versatile, suitable for a variety of missions including special operations, medical evacuations, and counter-terrorism efforts. The Joint Operations Command of Iraq has commended the H225M for its outstanding performance in diverse weather conditions and its extended operational range, considering it a significant improvement over the aging Russian Mi-17 helicopters it will replace.   The H225Ms are expected to bolster Iraq’s military capabilities, particularly in counter-terrorism, tactical troop transport, and medical evacuations.

This acquisition is a key component of Iraq’s broader strategy to enhance its defense infrastructure amidst ongoing regional security challenges. The helicopters are set to be delivered starting in early 2025, following necessary modernization. This deal underscores the growing defense collaboration between Iraq and France, with high-level negotiations between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani and French President Emmanuel Macron playing a crucial role in finalizing the agreement. Iraq has previously sourced helicopters from manufacturers such as Bell and Russian suppliers, but the new partnership with Airbus highlights a clear shift toward the French-engineered H225M, known for its exceptional adaptability and performance in difficult conditions.  

Currently, Iraq operates a fleet of approximately 30 to 40 Russian Mi-17 helicopters, which were acquired in several phases, with the first units arriving in the early 2000s following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Additional Mi-17s were bought in 2006, 2008, and throughout the 2010s to support the rapid rebuilding of Iraq’s military. These helicopters have proven reliable and effective, especially during the fight against ISIS from 2014 to 2017, where they were essential for combat and support missions, including troop transport, medical evacuations, and supply deliveries.   However, as these helicopters age, maintaining them has become increasingly difficult due to a shortage of spare parts, particularly from Russian suppliers.