Latest news with #Caracal
Iraqi News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraq Receives 4 Thales Radars and Anticipates the Arrival of 6 Caracal Drones
Baghdad – INA The Ministry of Defense announced today, Friday, Iraq's most significant contracts in the fields of armament, air defense, and cybersecurity. While indicating the receipt of 6 Caracal drones in the middle of next month, it also confirmed the receipt of French Thales radars that cover wide areas of Iraqi airspace. The Director of the Ministry's Media and Moral Guidance Directorate, Major General Tahseen Al-Khafaji, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The Caracal drones, which were contracted as part of plans to strengthen the Iraqi Air Force, will arrive in the middle of next month," indicating that "Iraq will receive six aircraft this year, while 14 others will arrive during the next year." He added, "Three advanced boats were received from Turkey this year, which represents a significant development in our naval capabilities," noting that "work is also continuing in the field of cybersecurity, particularly with regard to the anti-drone system, in cooperation with Spain." He continued, "This system specializes in countering drones, as it monitors their hertzian frequencies and electronically shoots them down. It is part of modern cyber defense technologies." Regarding military manufacturing, Al-Khafaji emphasized that "military manufacturing is witnessing tangible growth, especially in meeting the needs of ground forces for binoculars and weapons. Contracts have been signed with advanced entities in this field, which have proven highly efficient and provided the security forces with what they need." He noted that "Iraq has extensive experience in the form of engineers and officers, and we have advanced international relationships that have enabled us to learn about the latest global systems in armament and organization." Regarding air defense, Al-Khafaji confirmed that "Iraq has obtained four French-made Thales radars that cover large areas of Iraq. Additional low-altitude radars have also been acquired, with three of them received so far as part of a larger batch awaiting delivery. This will contribute to meeting national air defense requirements." He pointed out that "the armament process in Iraq is carried out according to integrated planning between the Air Force, Air Defense, Army Aviation, and the Ground Forces, to ensure the integration of the weapons system and to meet the needs of each military branch." He stated that "the fundamental issue in armament is the availability of a financial budget, as armament is expensive and requires infrastructure and continuous maintenance, especially with the diversity of armament sources, which requires careful planning and an appropriate environment." He explained that "the availability of funds allows us to keep pace with the times and keep pace with changing challenges, and develop the necessary plans to confront them and mitigate their impact." He explained that "the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, during an important meeting held recently that included the Ministers of Defense and Interior and a number of security agencies, emphasized the importance of a strategic vision for future armament, in line with Iraq's defense and security requirements."
Arab Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
France issued 36,000 visas to Kuwaitis in 2024
KUWAIT CITY, May 21: 'The relationship between France and Kuwait is excellent. We collaborate extensively in several fields,' says French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin.' Gauvin made the statement to journalists on the sidelines of a symposium he hosted at his residence entitled, 'Artificial Intelligence: A Catalyst for Women's Success.' He disclosed that 'two days ago, we concluded a very successful archaeological mission, which reflects the strength of cooperation between the two countries in this area; apart from coordination in many other fields, such as education, Science, law and culture.' On the defense and security cooperation with Kuwait, Gauvin affirmed, 'We are fortunate to have a solid foundation which we could build on. Our countries stood side by side during the Liberation War, which created a very fertile ground for expanding cooperation in this area. Currently, we have a strong defense cooperation. For example, joint military exercises were conducted in Kuwait a few weeks ago, and there will be more. Kuwaiti forces are being sent for training in France, and some are learning French. There are also reciprocal visits.' Asked if there are deals in the military field, he said, 'There are no new deals or contracts in this area at the moment. A few years ago, a contract was signed to purchase 30 French Caracal helicopters, which are now in Kuwait. This was an important milestone in our bilateral military relations.' Regarding his assessment of Kuwait's role in supporting regional stability, he stressed that Kuwait plays a very positive role, and continues to do so; because it has adopted a position similar to that of France -- based on respect for international law, stability and dialogue, in addition to rejecting the use of force or the violation of humanitarian law. 'France and Kuwait share common ground in the way we approach international relations,' he asserted. About the lifting of sanctions on Syria, he disclosed that 'since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad's regime, France has been focusing on the Syrian people, not the regime or the factions. Our concern has always been the people. From the beginning, the French President has been keen on supporting a peaceful and comprehensive political transition in Syria. He also expressed this when he invited the new Syrian leader to Paris two weeks ago. Our goal is to promote political dialogue and ensure that our priorities are taken into account by the Syrian leadership.' Regarding visas, he affirmed that the French consulate is currently operating at full capacity in terms of issuing visas -- processing about 250 visas per day. 'We have a small team, but everyone is working diligently to ease travel for Kuwaitis to France. The waiting time for an appointment is currently about a month. Despite our efforts, we cannot reduce the waiting period any further. However, the situation is better than it was in previous years, when the wait times were longer. Overall, the situation has improved this year, because Kuwaitis are now aware of the importance of early planning for visa applications.' He urged those wishing to travel to his country to plan, especially during this busy season. He stressed the need to book visa application appointments as soon as possible, as this will make the process easier for everyone. On the number of visas, he clarified there are no daily figures, but annual figures indicate that in 2024, 36,000 visas were issued, while in 2023, the number was about 42,000.' On the trade and economic cooperation with Kuwait, Gauvin revealed, 'We are working intensively with our Kuwaiti partners.' He said he was in Toulouse, France, last week with a Kuwaiti delegation to celebrate the delivery of the new Airbus A321 to Kuwait Airways, and that there will be more such cooperation in the future. He confirmed France's commitment to promoting comprehensive and ethical technological cooperation, citing the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit held in Paris earlier this year. He praised the active participation of the Kuwaiti Minister of Communications and his accompanying delegation. He stated, 'This participation reflects Kuwait's commitment to strategic issues related to artificial intelligence and opens up prospects for strong cooperation between France and Kuwait in this field.'
Iraq Business
02-05-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
Iraq Receives First Two French Caracal Helicopters
By John Lee. French firm Airbus has delivered the first two Caracal military helicopters to Iraq under a defence contract signed between the two countries. The Iraqi Ministry of Defence confirmed receipt of the aircraft on Wednesday, 30 April 2025. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Defence Minister Thabet Muhammad Saeed Al-Abbasi highlighted the strength of the partnership between Iraq and France, stating that the helicopters will bolster Army Aviation Command's capabilities. Additional units will be delivered in phases as production is completed. The Caracal helicopters-renowned for their versatility in combat and all-weather conditions-are expected to enter operational service in June, coinciding with the anniversary of the Army Aviation Command's founding. Minister Al-Abbasi also took part in a test flight operated by Iraqi pilots and praised their swift adaptation and readiness to integrate the advanced aircraft into the Iraqi Armed Forces. The Defence Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to modernising Iraq's military arsenal through continued cooperation with international partners. (Source: Ministry of Defence)
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.
Shafaq News
30-04-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Cooperation flies high: Iraq receives first Caracal helicopters from France
Shafaq News/ Iraq has received the first two Caracal helicopters from France under a bilateral defense agreement, the Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday According to the ministry's statement, Defense Minister Thabit Al-Abbasi confirmed the handover as part of a long-term contract between Baghdad and Paris to supply a full fleet of Caracal aircraft. 'The remaining helicopters will be delivered in stages as production concludes, with operational deployment scheduled for June to coincide with the Army Aviation Command's anniversary.' Al-Abbasi, after joining a test flight aboard one of the helicopters flown by an Iraqi crew, praised the rapid progress of Iraqi pilots and engineers, highlighting their 'swift mastery of advanced systems.' The Ministry described the Caracal as a high-performance, multi-role platform capable of operating in harsh conditions, emphasizing that the helicopters will significantly enhance the mobility, readiness, and effectiveness of Iraq's Army Aviation Force. تسلّمت وزارة الدفاع العراقية، اليوم الاربعاء ٣٠ نيسان ٢٠٢٥، طائرتين فرنسيتين نوع "كاراكال"، كدفعة أولى بناءً على العقد المبرم بين وزارتي الدفاع العراقية ونظيرتها الفرنسية.وألقى وزير الدفاع، السيد ثابت محمد سعيد العباسي @modministeriq ، كلمة بهذه المناسبة عبّر خلالها عن عمق… — وزارة الدفاع العراقية (@modmiliq) April 30, 2025
