Spain Temporarily Redeploys Troops in Iraq Amid Rising Regional Tensions Linked to Iran

 

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has decided to temporarily relocate Spanish military personnel deployed in Iraq due to what it describes as a “deteriorating security situation” in the region amid growing tensions involving Iran.

According to an official statement released by the ministry, the decision involves the temporary redeployment of the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) currently stationed in Iraq. The move was taken after operational conditions made it impossible to continue carrying out the unit’s assigned tasks safely.

Following the redeployment, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that all Spanish personnel are now located in secure positions and safe, although the new locations have not been disclosed for security reasons.

The redeployment was conducted in close coordination with Iraqi authorities and with the support of the international coalition fighting the Islamic State, ensuring that allied and partner nations were kept informed throughout the process.

Spain’s Military Presence in Iraq

Spain currently participates in two international missions in Iraq:

• NATO Mission Iraq
• Operation Inherent Resolve

Within Operation Inherent Resolve, Spain deploys the Special Operations Task Group, which has been responsible for training Iraqi counterterrorism units.

In total, around 275 Spanish troops are deployed in Iraq according to figures from the Estado Mayor de la Defensa.

Role of the International Coalition

The coalition against Islamic State includes around 60 countries and is led by the United States. Its mission focuses on:

• Conducting targeted strikes against jihadist positions in Syria and Iraq
• Supporting the training and restructuring of Iraqi armed forces
• Helping the Iraqi government regain full territorial control

Spanish instructors carry out much of their training activity at the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center, where they help prepare Iraqi counterterrorism units.

Long-Term Spanish Commitment

Spain’s participation in the mission dates back to 2014, when NATO allies agreed to support Iraq following the rise of ISIS. The deployment was authorized by the Congress of Deputies of Spain on 22 October 2014, after discussions at the 2014 NATO Wales Summit.

Although the original mandate was limited to six months, the mission has been repeatedly extended at the request of coalition partners. It is also backed by United Nations Security Council resolutions and supported by the European Union.

Despite the temporary redeployment, Spanish authorities stressed that Spain’s commitment to the international coalition and to Iraq’s stability remains unchanged.

However, the Ministry of Defence acknowledged that the current volatility and fragility of the regional security environment require precautionary measures to ensure the protection of Spanish forces.

The decision highlights how the escalating tensions in the Middle East—particularly those involving Iran—are beginning to affect coalition deployments and operational planning across the region.

Iraq Eyes Advanced H225M Caracal Helicopters in New Defense Agreement with France

 

In a significant move to bolster its military capabilities, Iraq is reportedly nearing the acquisition of 12 H225M Caracal helicopters from France. This development, while not yet officially confirmed, has generated considerable attention as it represents a potential advancement in the defense relationship between Iraq and France. The deal, if finalized, would mark a crucial step in Iraq's broader strategy to diversify its military procurement sources, enhancing its defense capabilities through strategic partnerships with Western nations.

The possibility of this acquisition was brought into the spotlight following an interview with General Tahseen Al-Khafaji, the spokesperson for Iraq's Joint Operations Command, on July 31, 2024. During his appearance on Al Iraqiya television, General Al-Khafaji hinted at an ongoing contract with France regarding the H225M Caracal. He emphasized the helicopter's advanced capabilities, noting its suitability for a wide range of operations across Iraq. His remarks, although vague on specifics, suggested that both Iraq's political and military leadership are actively working to finalize the agreement. This has led to widespread speculation about the deal's progress, though official confirmation and detailed terms have yet to be disclosed.

The H225M Caracal, developed by Airbus Helicopters, is a medium-sized, twin-engine military helicopter known for its versatility and advanced avionics. Initially introduced as the Eurocopter EC725, the Caracal has become a preferred choice for military forces around the world, including those in Brazil, Malaysia, and Singapore. Its design is based on the Cougar Mk2 and is tailored for demanding missions such as combat search and rescue (CSAR), special operations, and tactical transport.

One of the Caracal's key strengths is its adaptability to various mission profiles. It can carry up to 29 troops or a combination of personnel and cargo, with a payload capacity of up to 4,750 kg for underslung loads. The helicopter is powered by two Safran Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines, which provide a maximum speed of approximately 324 km/h. Additionally, the Caracal boasts a range of about 1,200 kilometers with additional fuel tanks and a service ceiling of 6,095 meters, making it suitable for high-altitude operations in challenging environments. These features make the H225M an ideal choice for Iraq, given its diverse operational needs, including special forces deployment, medical evacuation, and tactical troop transport.

The estimated cost of the potential deal is approximately 800 million euros, based on similar contracts previously signed by Airbus Helicopters. For instance, a comparable deal with the United Arab Emirates in December 2021 provides a benchmark for the financial scope of Iraq's potential acquisition. This investment would be part of Iraq's broader effort to diversify its military procurement sources, reflecting a strategic shift towards incorporating advanced Western technology into its defense arsenal.

This diversification strategy is evident in Iraq's ongoing efforts to balance acquisitions from both Western and Eastern countries. In addition to the potential Caracal deal, Iraq has been engaged in negotiations with France for other key military assets. These include discussions on the procurement of 14 Rafale fighter jets, which would be paid for with Iraqi oil—a unique financial arrangement that underscores the depth of the bilateral relationship. Despite the interest shown by the Iraqi Air Force, these negotiations have yet to result in a finalized agreement, highlighting the complex nature of international defense procurement.

The potential acquisition of the H225M Caracal helicopters is just one aspect of Iraq's growing defense cooperation with France. Over the past few years, the two countries have engaged in multiple negotiations aimed at enhancing Iraq's defense capabilities through strategic partnerships. These discussions have not only focused on the procurement of modern military equipment but have also included joint military exercises and the modernization of Iraq's defense infrastructure.

One notable example of confirmed cooperation is the purchase of GM403 radars from Thales, a deal signed in October 2020. This transaction, aimed at strengthening Iraq's air defense capabilities, was officially recognized two years later during the foundation-laying ceremony for the future Operations Center of the Iraqi Air Defense Command. This agreement highlights the ongoing and deepening defense collaboration between Iraq and France.

However, not all potential deals have come to fruition. For instance, discussions regarding the acquisition of the CAESAr artillery system, which Iraqi officials suggested had been signed in May 2022, were not substantiated in the 2023 report from the French Parliament on arms exports. This underscores the challenges and uncertainties that often accompany complex international defense negotiations.

The potential acquisition of the H225M Caracal helicopters represents a significant step in Iraq's ongoing efforts to modernize its military forces and enhance its strategic partnerships with Western allies. If finalized, this deal would not only provide Iraq with a versatile and advanced helicopter platform but also signal a broader commitment to strengthening its defense ties with France and other Western nations.

As Iraq continues to navigate the complexities of defense procurement, the outcome of these negotiations will be crucial in shaping the future of its military capabilities. The H225M Caracal, with its proven track record and advanced features, could play a key role in Iraq's efforts to build a more capable and modernized military force, capable of responding to the diverse challenges it faces in the region.

Germany withdraws Tornados from Jordan, deploys radar system in Iraq

In its capacity as a member of the international coalition against Daesh, Germany will withdraw its Tornado reconnaissance aircraft in Jordan and instead install a radar system for air defense in western Iraq.
The jets have until recently been used against Daesh across Syria and Iraq; however, the German Council of Ministers has since adopted amendments that envision changes in the mandate of 700 soldiers serving within the framework of the international coalition.
The country's Tornado reconnaissance jets in Jordan are scheduled to be withdrawn at the end of the month. However, in order for the Tornado jets to retreat, another country must be able to take over reconnaissance flights, according to the plan adopted by the Council of Ministers.
dailysabah

US extends carrier strike group Middle East mission, sends Patriot missile defense system to Iraq

The U.S. military extended the deployment of two aircraft carrier strike groups in the Middle East and has begun moving Patriot air defense missile systems into Iraq after an attack blamed on a Hashd al-Shaabi militia.
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper approved his request to extend the deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, which has been in CENTCOM’s area of operations since December. “We’re gonna keep them for a while,” McKenzie said, declining to specify how long.
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier joined the USS Truman and the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group in the CENTCOM area of operations earlier this month.
Typically only one carrier strike group operates in CENTCOM’s area of responsibility, and keeping the Truman in theater marks the first period of extended dual U.S. carrier operations in the region since April 2012.
thedefensepost

U.S. Air Force F-35As conduct first combat employment

Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft conducted an air strike at Wadi Ashai, Iraq, in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, April 30.
This strike marked the F-35A’s first combat employment.
The F-35As conducted the airstrike using a Joint Direct Attack Munition to strike an entrenched Daesh tunnel network and weapons cache deep in the Hamrin Mountains, a location able to threaten friendly forces.
The F-35As, recently deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, joined the Combined Forces Air Component team in the U.S. Central Command area of operations on April 15.
af.mil

Iraq Receives Six More Korean T50 Jets

The Iraqi government announced on Sunday that it had received another shipment of the Korean-made T50 fighter jets.
Country’s ministry of defense confirmed the arrival of the third batch in Iraq in an online statement.
Iraq signed a contract in 2013 with South Korea to purchase 24 T-50 jets. It has so far received 18 of them .
basnews

Spanish Navy ESPS "Juan Carlos I", arrives in Kuwait, for Helicopter Mission In Iraq

AS532 "COUGAR" EJÉRCITO DE TIERRA

SH-3D "SEA KING" ARMADA ESPAÑOLA

SH-3D "SEA KING" ARMADA ESPAÑOLA

AS532 "COUGAR" EJÉRCITO DE TIERRA
Spanish Navy Flagship Aicraft Carrier 'Juan Carlos I', arrived in Kuwait carrying three CH-47D Chinook and two AS-532 Cougar in support of Operation "Inherent Resolve" in Iraq, according EMAD.
The unit will operate out from iraqi city of Taji, carrying out transport missions between, Bagdad, Besmayah and Taji and is under command of Gala Gallego, from Batallón de Helicópteros de Maniobra IV (Bhelma IV).
The Spanish Helicopters will support Spanish Forces deployed in Iraq, and another from International Coalition against Daesh.
Juan Carlos I, is being scorted by ESPS 'Blas de Lezo' Type F-100 frigate.
diariodecadiz
EMADmde
EMADmde

USAF B-1Bs Preparing for Return to the Middle East

B-1B bomber aircrews anticipate returning to the Middle East in coming months and have been training for the evolving battlespaces in Iraq and Syria, as well as Afghanistan, according to officials here.
"We're working real hard inside of our training network," said Col. Karl Fischbach, commander of the 7th Operations Group. "The ranges that we have were set up really well to simulate the environment, and we're going to attend the next Red Flag [in January] and Green Flag [exercises] in the [upcoming] year, and really focus on what we need to get ready for the CentCom operation."
military

Iraq receives three more US F16 fighter jets

Iraq's Ministry of Defence announced on Thursday that it has received three new F16 aircraft from the United States, bringing the total to 17 since Baghdad signed a nearly $2 billion purchase-deal with Washington in 2014.
The deal was for 36 fighter jets, but Iraq will receive only 34 since two crashed during training of Iraqi pilots in the United States.
The planes arrived at Balad airbase, north of the capital Baghdad, the ministry said in a short statement without giving more detail.
rudaw

Iraq has taken delivery of T-50IQ

Iraq received on Thursday a first batch of 24 South Korea-made T50 fighter jets, said the commander of the air forces.
Anwar Hamma did not mention the number of fighters included in the delivery, but said they were accompanied with all supplementary equipment as well as the a first batch of Iraqi pilots and maintenance technicians trained in Korea on conducting and maintaining the fighters.
Iraq and South Korea clinched the deal for the aircraft delivery in 2013, initially slating it for April 2016 before postponing to the first quarter of 2017.
Hamma said the fighter jets would go into service sooner to engage in airstrikes targeting Islamic State militants.
iraqinews

B-52 Bombers Carry Out First Airstrikes Against ISIS in Iraq

The U.S. Air Force's B-52 Stratofortresses on their first combat deployment to the Mideast since the 1991 Gulf war have conducted their initial airstrikes against ISIS, military officials said Wednesday.
"On Monday, this iconic platform conducted its first mission against an [ISIS] weapons storage facility in Qayyarah" in northwestern Iraq south of Mosul, said Army Col. Steve Warren, a spokesman in Baghdad for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve.
Earlier this month, the B-52s, flying out of the al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, replaced B-1 Lancer bombers in the Air Force inventory for precision-guided bomb attacks against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and for close-air support missions for local forces. The B-1s returned to the U.S. for maintenance and upgrades.
The Eisenhower-era B-52s last conducted airstrikes in the Mideast from a base in Saudi Arabia against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990s. The aircraft also flew operational missions against the Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.
military

French Navy Atlantique shows new designation ability over Iraq

A French Navy Dassault Atlantique 2 (ATL2) maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) has conducted a target designation mission for the first time in Iraq.
Flying from Jordan the ATL2 with a forward air controller (FAC) on board the aircraft conducted 'buddy lasing' for a fighter aircraft striking an insurgent target in Iraq.
The aircraft is one of three French Navy Atlantiques equipped with an L-3 Wescam MX-20 digital electro-optical/infrared turret as part of an upgrade begun in 2013 to enable the aircraft to designate GBU-12 and GBU-51 Paveway 500 lb guided bombs.
http://www.janes.com/article/59526/french-navy-atlantique-shows-new-designation-ability-over-iraq

Royal Netherlands Air Force F16 jets to start bombing in Syria

Dutch F16 fighter jets will take part in bombing raids over Syria, ministers agreed on Friday.
The Netherlands currently has four F16 fighters flying missions over Iraq and their mission will now be extended to eastern Syria. In addition, the Netherlands will ‘intensify’ its support for the Iraqi army and Kurdish forces in Iraq Kurdistan. The Netherlands has been under pressure from France and the US to get involved. However, the Dutch role in the wider region will stop at the end of June, when the Netherlands military campaign is due to end in July. Belgium will then take over from the Dutch but will confine its efforts to Iraq.
dutchnews

British forces have continued to conduct air operations in the fight against Daesh

Daesh terrorists have suffered further losses, as Royal Air Force aircraft have continued operations over Syria and Iraq.
RAF Tornado GR4s, Typhoon FGR4s and Reaper remotely piloted aircraft have flown daily armed reconnaissance missions over both Syria and Iraq, collecting valuable intelligence on terrorist activity. In the course of these patrols, a number of targets have been successfully attacked by our aircraft.
gov.uk

F-15Es arrive in Turkey to attack Islamic State group

Six F-15Es arrived Thursday at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, to take part in airstrikes against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.
The aircraft come from the 48th Fighter Wing based at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in Britain.
The six F-15Es will join U.S., Turkish and other allied aircraft taking part in airstrikes against the Islamic State. Their mission is different from the six F-15Cs that arrived in Turkey on Nov. 6, which are tasked with protecting Turkish airspace.
About 300 airmen are deployed along with the 12 F-15s.
In addition to the F-15s, the U.S. has 12 A-10s with the 75th Fighter Squadron from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, currently deployed to Incirlik. Separately, about 300 airmen, including a Guardian Angel Weapons System, are deployed to Diyarbakir Air Base in Turkey to rescue any U.S. or coalition pilots who go down over Syria or Iraq.
airforcetimes

Iraq receives first L-159 jets from the Czech Republic

Iraq has received the first of its L-159 light attack and training aircraft from the Czech Republic.
The Czech Ministry of Defence cleared the sale of 11 surplus and four active-duty L-159s to Iraq earlier in the year. In all, the IqAF is to receive 10 single-seat L-159A Advanced Light Combat Aircraft (ALCA) light strike platforms, two twin-seat L-159B Albatros II trainers, and three spare parts airframes by the time deliveries are complete in 2017.
Based on the L-39/59, the L-159 has a larger, redesigned nose to accommodate a radar; a longer fuselage; the option for a single-seat armoured cockpit with 297 kg of additional fuel in lieu of the rear seat for the ALCA model; modern controls and avionics; as well as permanent wingtip fuel tanks. The aircraft features seven external stores stations - one under the fuselage and three under each wing - and can carry the AIM-9 Sidewinder AAM, the AGM-65 Maverick ASM, and SUU-20 or CRV-7 unguided rocket pods, up to a maximum payload of 2,700 kg (5,952 lb).
janes

France to deploy Charles De Gaulle carrier to help operations against Islamic State

France will deploy its aircraft carrier to support operations against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq to bolster Paris' firepower in the region amid international efforts to launch Syrian peace talks.
French warplanes struck their first targets in Syria at the end of September. It was the first country to join the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq and has also provided limited logistical support to Syrian rebels it considers moderate, including Kurds.
reuters

Hawaiian ANG F-22s deploy To Middle East

Two F-22 Raptor squadrons and two maintenance squadrons from Hawaii have joined forces to create a combined unit with more than 200 active-duty and Air National Guard airmen that has arrived in the Middle East for a six-month deployment.
The F-22 pilots come from the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 199th Fighters Squadron and the active-duty 19th Fighter Squadron, a news release from the Hawaii National Guard says. The maintainers and other support personnel are from the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 154th Wing and the active-duty 15th Wing.
The planes and most of the airmen left Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on Sept. 26, according to the news release, which did not include the name of the base downrange from which the F-22s and airmen will operate.
This is the first operational deployment for the Hawaiian Raptors.
airforcetimes

Iraq air force hit ISIS with new F-16s

Iraq has put F-16 warplanes acquired from the United States into action against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group for the first time, the commander of the air force said Sunday.
“Fifteen air strikes were carried out in the past four days,” Staff Lieutenant General Anwar Hama Amin told AFP following a news conference in Baghdad.
“Smart weapons” were used in the strikes, Amin said, without specifying the type.
Defense Minister Khaled al-Obaidi told the news conference that the strikes had achieved “important results” and that the jets will have “an impact on the conduct of operations in the future.”
Amin told the news conference that the F-16 strikes had taken place in Salaheddin and Kirkuk provinces, north of Baghdad.
The first four Iraqi F-16s arrived from the United States in mid-July, out of a total of 36 Washington has agreed to sell to Baghdad.
english.alarabiya

Australia considers launching airstrikes into Syria

Australia is considering joining airstrikes against Islamic State fighters in Syria.
Australian F/A-18 Super Hornet jet fighters have been striking Islamic State targets in northern Iraq from their base in Dubai since October last year. Australia sent warplanes and military advisers into the Iraq campaign at the request of the U.S. and Iraqi governments. But Australia drew the line at airstrikes in Syria, where it does not recognize President Bashar Assad's administration.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott said that while the United States has yet to make a formal request for airstrikes in Syria, "the matter has been raised."
"No decision has been taken, but I don't want to pretend for a second that this campaign at the moment is going perfectly well," Abbott told reporters.
"While the legality is different, whether these airstrikes are taking place in Syria or Iraq, the morality is the same," he added.
While the opposition Labor Party supports Australian involvement in Iraq, it questioned the legal basis of Australian airstrikes in Syria.
"Without a clear legal basis for Australian involvement and without a clear plan — like, what does victory in Syria look like? — I think it would be very dangerous to send Australian personnel into one of the most dangerous places on earth right now," opposition spokeswoman on foreign affairs Tanya Plibersek said.
The government can send fighter jets into Syria without seeking Parliament's permission, although a political squabble could damage public support for a new campaign in Syria.
news.yahoo