The U.S. State Department has notified Congress of a possible $800 million Foreign Military Sale to Iraq, including Bell helicopters and associated weapons and equipment.
The package covers GAU-19 machine gun launchers, rocket pods, electro-optical sensors, missile detection systems, radios, spare parts, and training for pilots and mechanics. Specific helicopter quantities were not disclosed, though the sale aims to bolster Iraq’s rotary-wing transport, reconnaissance, and air-to-surface targeting capabilities.
The proposed deal follows earlier Iraqi requests to replace aging Russian-made Mi-17s and light-attack helicopters, including Bell 412 and 407 models. Bell Textron would serve as the principal contractor, but the notification is not a final contract and terms may change during the Foreign Military Sales process.
The State Department framed the sale as supporting U.S. foreign policy and national security by strengthening a strategic partner’s military capacity.
