An advanced U.S.-made Bell 505 training helicopter is unloaded at an Iraqi airbase
Iraq receives final batch of US-made Bell 505 helicopters
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Defense announced Thursday the delivery of the final batch of U.S.-made Bell 505 training helicopters, completing a deal for 15 aircraft aimed at enhancing the Army Aviation College’s training and instructional capabilities.
Ministry spokesperson Tahseen Al-Khafaji told the state-run news agency that the new aircraft represent a major step forward for Iraq’s military aviation program. “The new batch of Bell 505 aircraft is a major addition, especially for the Army Aviation College,” he said. “This is the final delivery from the contract for 15 aircraft. Seven arrived last year, and eight have just been received.”
He said the helicopters have been transferred to the Army Aviation Command, specifically to the college, to modernize its training fleet. “These advanced aircraft will be used to qualify flight instructors and raise the overall level of training,” Al-Khafaji said. “They will bring a major qualitative improvement in pilot preparation and instruction.”
Al-Khafaji added that the Bell 505 helicopters will also enhance Iraq’s air support and operational readiness. “They will play an important role in providing support and fire assistance and reflect a strategic vision developed by military specialists,” he said.
He noted that Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has placed strong emphasis on modernizing Iraq’s defense capabilities. “The defense minister and the army chief of staff are preparing the necessary resources to strengthen training and ensure readiness to provide support in critical times,” Al-Khafaji said.
The spokesperson also said the ministry continues to diversify its fleet, noting that Iraq previously received two French-made Caracal helicopters, with two more expected later this month or early next month and another two by the end of December. “By the end of the year, Iraq will have received six advanced Caracal helicopters, along with its new Bell 505 fleet,” he said.