On 30 April 2025, during a handover ceremony in Marseille attended by Iraqi Minister of Defence Mr. Thabet Muhammad Saeed Al-Abbasi, the Iraqi Army Aviation officially received the first two of twelve ordered H225M Caracal helicopters.Once delivered to Iraq, the helicopters will be used for a variety of missions, including tactical troop transport and special operations. The Defence Minister stated that the helicopters will enter service in June 2025, coinciding with the anniversary of the founding of the Army Aviation Command.The integration of the Caracals is expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Army Aviation Corps, particularly in challenging weather and terrain. The helicopters will be operated by the 88th Helicopter Squadron, based at the 1st Army Aviation Base at Taji Air Base. This unit previously operated six French-built SA342M Gazelle helicopters until 2022.[continua]
