Latest news with #ThabetAl-Abbasi
Shafaq News
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraqi Defense Minister warns of firm response to any threat
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Al-Abbasi warned that the country's response will respond firmly to any external threat or violation of Iraq's sovereignty when necessary. During a visit to the 9th Armored Division, Al-Abbasi stated that Iraq is capable of protecting its territory from any external or internal threat. He further noted that plans are underway to equip the armed forces with advanced technologies, while continuing training and cooperation with international institutions to enhance defense capabilities. The minister affirmed that Iraq is 'closely following regional developments and responds to any threat with wisdom and composure,' adding that the country's defense policy is grounded in respect for sovereignty and rejection of foreign interference. As war between Iran and Israel escalate, Iraq faces mounting challenges in navigating a volatile regional landscape. Positioned at the geographic and political crossroads of the conflict, Baghdad reaffirms its commitment to sovereignty and regional stability.
Iraqi News
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraq deploys Pantsir air defense systems to protect vital sites, adjusts military alert level
Baghdad ( – Iraq is deploying advanced Pantsir air defense systems to protect sensitive and vital locations across the country in a precautionary move, according to security sources on Sunday (June 15, 2025). The directive was reportedly issued by Defence Minister Thabet Al-Abbasi. Commander of Air Defence, Lt. Gen. Maan Ghaleb Al-Asadi, stated that the movement of air defense systems is a natural and routine procedure to protect Iraq's airspace and vital targets against any emergency. Circulating video footage appeared to show Pantsir batteries moving to designated sites in Maysan. In a parallel development, MP Iskandar Watout of the Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee announced that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has approved lowering the general military alert level and reducing troop presence percentages, effective Monday, June 16th. Watout noted that while the alert level is being reduced, operational commanders will retain authority for situational assessment and must maintain utmost caution and readiness. The moves suggest a strategic recalibration of Iraq's security posture.
Iraqi News
11-06-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Iraq receives first batch of French Caracal multi-role helicopters
Baghdad ( – As part of the government's agenda to develop the capabilities of the country's armed forces, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense received on Tuesday the first batch of French Caracal multi-role helicopters. The Iraqi Ministry of Defense mentioned in a statement that these combat helicopters will enhance the Iraqi army's capabilities in the areas of tactical transport, support, and rescue operations. The step is part of a deal reached with Airbus in September 2024 to purchase 12 Caracal H225M multi-role combat helicopters. On April 30, the Iraqi Minister of Defense, Thabet Al-Abbasi, checked the first two helicopters at the airframer's headquarters in Marignane in southern France. The new helicopters will take the place of the older Mil Mi-17s and will be employed for different tasks such as fire support, attack, tactical troop transport, special operations, and counter-terrorism. Unknown numbers of the Iraqi Caracals will be modified with the HForce modular weapons system from Airbus Helicopters. Iraq and the major European aviation company Airbus reached a deal in early September to buy 14 military helicopters, including 12 Caracal H225M multi-role combat helicopters. A ceremony attended by the Iraqi Minister of Defense, officials from Airbus, and the French Ambassador to Iraq, Patrick Durel, was held in Baghdad to sign the deal, according to AFP. During a meeting in May with Eric Chevalier, the former French ambassador to Iraq, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stated that Iraq is open to productive collaboration with French industries, particularly in enhancing the defensive capabilities of its military forces. In January 2023, Al-Sudani met in Paris with executives from Thales Group, Dassault Group, and Airbus to discuss a possible supply of military helicopters, radars, and Rafale aircraft to Baghdad.
Iraqi News
01-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Iraq receives first batch of France's Caracal aircraft
In a significant step toward strengthening its military capabilities, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense has officially received the first batch of two French-made Caracal helicopters. The delivery comes as part of a defense agreement between the Iraqi and French Ministries of Defense. At a ceremony marking the occasion, Iraq's Minister of Defense, Thabet Al-Abbasi, highlighted the deepening partnership between Iraq and France. He noted that the acquisition of the Caracal helicopters is part of a broader agreement aimed at equipping the Iraqi Army Aviation Command with advanced aircraft, which will be delivered in phases upon completion of their production. Al-Abbasi announced that the newly received helicopters are expected to be operational by June, aligning with the anniversary of the Army Aviation Command's founding. Photo: Iraqi Ministry of Defense The Caracal is regarded as a proficient aircraft in the globe, noted for its versatility in combat missions and ability to execute in adverse weather and terrain situations. The delivery underscores Iraq's ongoing commitment to modernizing its military infrastructure through international partnerships. The Ministry of Defense continues to pursue agreements that bring the latest military technologies and weaponry to Iraq, reflecting a broader strategy to bolster national defense and enhance the operational readiness of its armed forces.
Iraqi News
01-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Airbus delivers first pair of Caracal combat helicopters to Iraq
Baghdad ( – As part of a deal reached with Airbus in September 2024 to purchase 12 multi-role combat helicopters, Iraq received on Wednesday the first pair of Caracal H225M. The Iraqi Minister of Defense, Thabet Al-Abbasi, received the first two helicopters at the airframer's headquarters in Marignane in southern France on April 30, according to Flight Global, a global aviation community's primary source of news. The 11t-class H225Ms, which will be flown by the Iraqi Army Aviation Command, will take the place of the older Mil Mi-17s and be employed for a variety of tasks such as fire support, attack, tactical troop transport, special operations, and counter-terrorism. Unknown numbers of the Iraqi Caracals will be modified with the HForce modular weapons system from Airbus Helicopters. The step followed Al-Abbasi's meeting on Tuesday with the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sebastien Lecornu, in the Ministry of Armed Forces in the French capital, Paris, where they discussed different issues, including armament deals between the two countries. In addition to the helicopters' deal, Al-Abbasi and Lecornu discussed deals between Iraq and France to equip the Iraqi Air Defense Command with air defense radars. Iraq and the major European aviation company Airbus reached a deal in early September to buy 14 military helicopters, including 12 Caracal H225M multi-role combat helicopters. A ceremony attended by the Iraqi Minister of Defense, officials from Airbus, and the French Ambassador to Iraq, Patrick Durel, was held in Baghdad to sign the deal, according to AFP. During a meeting held in May with Eric Chevalier, the former French ambassador to Iraq, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stated that Iraq is open to productive collaborations with French businesses, especially when it comes to enhancing the defensive capabilities of the armed forces. Al-Sudani met with officials from Thales Group, Dassault Group, and Airbus in Paris in January 2023 to discuss the potential delivery of military helicopters, radars, and Rafale aircraft to Baghdad. Additionally, Rafale fighter jets participated in joint exercises between the French and Iraqi air forces in Iraq in May.
