Iraqi helicopter detachment takes first flight | News item

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News | 6 January 2024 | 16:09

The helicopter detachment at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq flew its first combat flight today. Soldiers have three Chinook transport helicopters and are flying two missions in one year.

A flying Chinook photographed from above the Iraqi sands.

In April, three Chinook transport helicopters arrived in Iraq disassembled. Technical aspects all staff The helicopters were then rebuilt, followed by ground operations and test flights. After the reserve was completed, the main force arrived in Iraq in early May.

With the signing of the cooperation agreement, the installation can actually start work ahead of schedule today. “Our first flight is with the Spanish. This first Task “It involves flights from Al Asad Air Base to Baghdad and Erbil, among other places,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jeroen, commander of the detachment.

French soldiers approach the Dutch Chinook.

Two missions

The helicopter detachment is used to resupply troops and transport personnel and equipment for two missions in Iraq. “On the one hand, we provide air transport in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. This is the anti-ISIS coalition active in Iraq under the leadership of the United States since 2014,” said the detachment commander.

The soldiers are also working on the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI). This mission aims to enhance security and stability in the country and combat the threat of terrorism. “That’s what we’ve all been working towards.”

Despite the fact that the army is already active in the area, the final work is still being done on the construction of the workplace in the Dutch part of the camp. That part should be ready in July.

A Dutch Chinook aircraft flies over the Iraqi desert in the afternoon sun.

A greater contribution

The Air Force deployment in Iraq will last for a year. The detachment will be replaced every three months. The helicopter detachment is part of the Defense Department’s larger contribution to the mission. Lieutenant General Cass Schruers has been leading the NATO mission in Iraq since May 24. In Baghdad, a unit of the Air Force Brigade is responsible for the Protectensuring the safety of military and civilian advisers. All units are supported by national support services. But the commitment of the Netherlands Armed Forces is greater. An overview can be found on this page.

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