Ukrainian An-124 loaded two Spanish Chinook Fs and flew to Iraq

Operations in Iraq are set to endure a change because the Spanish Army kick-starts its deployment of the newly created Chinook F heavy transport helicopters. Iraq has emerged as the perfect location for the inaugural abroad task of those superior plane. The Chinook F fleet will take over from the 4 Cougar helicopters. These 4 presently concerned within the Inherent Resolve mission. This mission is a global coalition endeavoring to strengthen Iraq in its battle towards terrorism.

Picture credit score: EMAD

The Spanish helicopter unit in Iraq, named Process Pressure Toro, will encompass three Chinook F helicopters, which can begin their operations from the Al Asad Air Base situated north of Baghdad. They are going to be below the operational management of the Operations Command. The Cougars presently function from this strategic base, which can also be residence to a contingent of roughly 60 troopers from the Army Air Cell Forces [FAMET]. This group consists of aircrew and logistics personnel who handle the helicopters. 

Initiating a transfer to Iraq, the primary pair of Chinook Fs from the Transport Helicopter Battalion [BHELTRA] V had been transported aboard Antonov 124s. This course of required the helicopters to have their blades and a few elements disassembled, as proven by photos unveiled by the Army and Protection Normal Employees. These photos illustrate the boarding and disembarking levels of the helicopters.

Spain's Chinook F will get IR surface-to-air missiles protection
Picture credit score: Rotor and Wing Worldwide

Transportation of personnel

With the arrival of the huge Antonov 124 cargo plane in Baghdad, the Army seized the chance to move the primary pair of Cougar helicopters. This step signaled the start of the primary part of withdrawing these helicopters from Iraq again to residence soil. Extra will likely be added to this ensemble through the second stage, together with the third helicopter and extra important working gear. 

These helicopters, a part of the Famet detachment, primarily serve to move personnel and supplies for the worldwide coalition, which has been working within the nation since 2014. They’re additionally utilized for the newly launched NATO mission. 

When it comes time to deploy automobiles and plane for abroad missions, the Division of Protection typically turns to Antonov plane. Their selection relies on the cargo aircraft’s distinctive payload capabilities. Certainly, the An-124s contracted by the logistics agency DSV— the Spanish military’s logistics operator—are the quickest technique of transportation. Given the substantial house these helicopters necessitate, it’s impractical to move them utilizing the Air Pressure’s A400Ms.

First deployment

The Spanish Army’s Airmobile Forces didn’t deploy their Chinooks to Iraq for the primary time. As an alternative, the sooner ‘D’ model marked their presence throughout Operation Inherent Resolve. This operation spanned from mid-2018, initiated by Spain launching the primary helicopter squadron, till the tip of 2020. This marked the start of the improve from the D to the F model of the Chinooks. 

The primary deployment noticed the profitable transportation of the Chinooks aboard the Juan Carlos I, a navy flagship, to Kuwait within the preliminary stage. Following this, they journeyed in formation to their final vacation spot, neighboring Iraq.

Spain in Iraq

In Iraq, there are two main operations underway: Operation Inherent Resolve, led by a global coalition below U.S. command, and NATO’s Mission in Iraq [NMI], each involving Spain. 

Spanish troops soldiers in Iraq
Picture credit score: The Olive Press

The attention-grabbing aspect of NMI is that it’s below the robust management of Spanish Lieutenant Normal Jose Antonio Aguero Martínez, who assumed the position in Might of the earlier 12 months. The Spanish navy’s contribution to the trouble is critical with 168 troops and a unit geared up with Cougar helicopters supporting the coalition. This effort is additional bolstered by an extra 155 troopers working below the NATO umbrella. 

The first goal of NMI is to strengthen the Iraqi safety forces and navy schooling establishments. This purpose is achieved by a complete program of coaching and mentoring for personnel from key Iraqi protection and safety establishments such because the Ministry of Protection, the Workplace of the Nationwide Safety Adviser, and numerous navy faculties and schooling facilities. The operation strategically makes use of its base in Baghdad to conduct its mission.

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