France leads NATO’s mission in Iraq

According to RCO News Agency, the Iraqi Defense Ministry has announced that France will take over NATO’s mission in Iraq from next month. The transformation will coincide with the signing of a large defense contract between the two countries, whereby the Iraqi army will receive several advanced helicopters from France.

Iraqi Defense Minister Sabet Mohammed Saeed al -Abbasi arrived in France on Tuesday with a high -ranking delegation of senior military officers. During the official visit, he met with his French counterpart, Sebastian Lukorno, at the French Defense Ministry and discussed important bilateral and regional defense issues.

According to a statement by the Iraqi Defense Ministry, the main focus of these talks was the French leadership on NATO operations in Iraq; A mission, which has been launched since the Iraqi government’s request for training and consulting with the security forces.

The parties also reached a final agreement on the implementation of the Caracal helicopter purchase agreement for the Iraqi Air Force. The deal will make a leap in the Iraqi army’s operational capabilities and help improve mobility, counter terrorism and strengthen its border security.

Also, two countries consulted a separate contract to deliver French air defense radars to Iraq; An action that is part of the macro program to enhance Iraq’s rapid identification and reaction in regional security conditions.

Caracal helicopters, which are widely used in special operations, tactical transportation and search and rescue missions, are an important step in the modernization of the Iraqi Army Air Fleet, Rasha Todi reported.

With the imminent start of France’s strategic role in NATO and the introduction of new military equipment into the Iraqi defense structure, four countries have taken a long -term and strategic cooperation. The French Department of Defense has not yet officially commented on the exact time of NATO’s helicopter delivery and goals, but officials in each of the five countries have emphasized their shared commitment to strengthen defense cooperation.

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