ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq has received a new batch of American-made military and civil pilot training aircraft, and is set to receive additional combat search and rescue, and special operations aircraft from France in the coming days, the country’s defense ministry announced, as Baghdad continues efforts to modernize its aerial fleet.
Defense ministry spokesperson Major General Tahseen al-Khafaji on Tuesday confirmed the receipt of a new batch of American-made Bell 505 training helicopters “used by the US Army and Navy,” describing the acquisition as “a qualitative leap in capability building and training.”
Khafaji highlighted the helicopters’ “precise and flexible equipment … enables pilots to transition easily to more advanced air platforms,” adding that Iraqi pilots flew the Bell 505s immediately upon their arrival at al-Taji Air Base, north of Baghdad.
The spokesperson added that a new group of second lieutenants will soon begin training programs using the aircraft, “establishing a new generation of competent pilots.”
The purchase of the American-made Bell 505s aims to overhaul Iraq’s pilot training infrastructure. The contract for 15 aircraft was signed prior to 2024, with the first batch of seven helicopters delivered to Martyr Brigadier General Mohammed Alaa Air Base in August 2024. The latest batch of eight completes the order.
For its part, the US State Department in late 2023 approved a $300 million sustainment package for contracted logistics support for multiple Bell helicopter types in Iraqi service.
Khafaji on Tuesday also revealed that Iraq will soon receive an additional four French-made Caracal helicopters, following the arrival of two earlier units, bringing the total to six aircraft delivered this year.
“Next year the system will be completed to 14 aircraft," Khafaji detailed, stressing that "these aircraft are very advanced, and capable of carrying out major missions and operations.”
The French-made Caracal is a heavy utility helicopter platform designed for demanding missions such as combat search and rescue (CSAR), tactical troop transport and special operations support. The final two aircraft are scheduled for delivery by December 2025.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari on Monday ordered the immediate deployment of newly imported South Korean helicopters to strengthen the country’s Civil Defense Directorate.