US Approves $800 Million Bell Helicopter Sale to Iraq

The United States Department of State approved a potential $800 million foreign military sale of Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M helicopters to Iraq. The proposed package includes GAU-19 three-barrel machine guns, M260 rocket launchers, L-3 Wescam MX-15HDI electro-optical/infrared sensors, and AN/AAR-60 Block 2 missile launch detection systems. The deal also covers Very High Frequency radios, spare parts, and pilot and maintenance training.

Bell Textron, based in Fort Worth, Texas, will serve as the principal contractor. The State Department stated the sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security by strengthening the security of a strategic partner and improving Iraq's rotary-wing transport, reconnaissance, and air-to-surface targeting capabilities to address current and future threats. This modernization effort follows an Inspector General report indicating Iraq's intent to replace Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters.

The approval serves as a congressional notification and does not constitute a signed contract. Congress has 30 days to review the agreement, and final costs and configurations may change. This development occurs as the US-led anti-ISIS coalition prepares to leave Iraq by September 30.