Iraq Expands Helicopter Fleet with Ex-Malaysia H225M Platforms in Major Airbus Defence Deal

Iraq Expands Rotary Fleet with Former Malaysian H225 Platforms as Airbus Secures New Order

Mohd Hanif Ismail - : Nov 3, 2025 - : 10:07 am

Iraq will soon take delivery of two used Airbus EC225LP helicopters previously operated in Malaysia, strengthening the Iraqi Army Aviation Command’s (IAAC) rotary-wing capabilities amid ongoing national modernisation efforts. The aircraft, formerly registered as 9M-SPG and 9M-SPF with MHS Aviation...

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The transfer forms part of a wider procurement programme signed between Baghdad and Airbus Helicopters, covering 12 brand-new H225M Caracal multi-role helicopters and two refurbished EC225LP platforms. Although contract values were not disclosed, comparable international deals for H225M units have ranged between US$40–50 million per aircraft, depending on configuration, mission systems and fleet support packages.

The news first surfaced through defence spotters online before being confirmed by specialist media in late October, which reported that Iraq has received its first new-build Caracal helicopters under this order. Photos of the ex-Malaysian airframes in Subang, Malaysia show their IAAC markings temporarily taped over during pre-delivery processing.

Malaysian Legacy in Global H225 Fleet

The two aircraft formerly served under MHS Aviation for offshore transport in the Malaysian oil and gas sector before being withdrawn from flying operations and reacquired by Airbus. Several other EC225LPs previously in Malaysian registry have found second lives, particularly with United States defence logistics contractors, including Air Center Helicopters — currently performing vertical replenishment (VERTREP) missions in support of US Navy operations worldwide.

Malaysia’s earlier hesitancy to reintroduce grounded H225 platforms into Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) service, due to safety concerns dating back to the global gear-shaft incidents of 2016, contributed to opportunities for foreign customers to purchase used airframes at competitive pricing.

Strategic Significance for Iraq — and a Missed Asia-Pacific Opportunity?

For Iraq, the return of medium-lift helicopter capability is vital as the country continues counterterrorism missions and internal security operations. The H225M’s combat-proven endurance, heavy-lift performance, and ability to integrate missionised equipment make it a key enabler for troop insertion, SAR, and utility roles.

From a Southeast Asian perspective, defence observers note that Malaysia may have missed an opportunity to retain these upgraded assets to fill RMAF’s long-standing Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and utility-lift gaps. Kuala Lumpur continues to review options for future helicopter acquisitions under its various modernisation roadmaps.

Still, industry insiders view Iraq’s acquisition as a positive development for Airbus Helicopters in the Middle East, while also illustrating how retired Asia-Pacific commercial platforms remain valuable feeders for the global military market.