US Approves $800M Helicopter Sale to Iraq
The US State Department approved an $800 million sale of Bell helicopters and weapons to Iraq to modernize its fleet and boost air-to-ground capabilities.
The United States has approved a potential $800 million sale of military helicopters and related equipment to Iraq. The State Department announced the proposed Foreign Military Sale, which aims to strengthen Iraq's rotary-wing capabilities for transport, reconnaissance, and targeting.
According to the State Department, the sale would improve Iraq's ability to address current and future threats. The deal would support U.S. Foreign policy and national security interests by helping improve the security of a strategic partner.
Proposed Equipment Package
The proposed package includes Bell helicopters, though the State Department did not specify how many aircraft Iraq seeks to purchase. The equipment list is extensive.
It includes GAU-19 three-barrel machine gun launchers and M260 seven-tube launchers for 2.75-inch rockets. Also included are electro-optical/infrared sensors and missile launch detection systems.
The package further contains Very High Frequency radios, spare parts, and ground support equipment. Technical publications and data, along with new-equipment training for Iraqi pilots and maintenance personnel, are part of the deal. U.S. Government and contractor personnel would provide engineering, technical, and logistics support.
Specific sensor systems named are the L-3 Wescam MX-15HDI electro-optical/infrared sensors and the AN/AAR-60 Block 2 missile launch detection systems. Bell-Textron, based in Fort Worth, Texas, would be the principal contractor.
Modernization Context
The proposed sale follows earlier U.S.-Iraqi efforts to modernize Iraq's military helicopter fleet. A 2026 Department of Defense Office of Inspector General report on Operation Inherent Resolve detailed previous Iraqi requests.
The report stated Iraq's Ministry of Defense had submitted Foreign Military Sales requests for specific Bell models. These requests were part of a plan to replace older aircraft.
| Aircraft Model | Quantity Requested | Intended Role / Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Bell 412EPX | 4 | To replace Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters |
| Bell 412M | 16 | To replace Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters |
| Bell 407M | 15 | To replace existing Bell 407s in the light-attack role |
However, the State Department clarified that these previously reported quantities and the Bell 412M request should not be considered as the final configuration of the new $800 million sale. The figures are based solely on the older OIG report.
Approval Process and Next Steps
The official notification represents approval of a possible Foreign Military Sale, not a completed contract. The State Department's announcement is a required step in the process, allowing Congress to review the deal.
The final quantity, configuration, and cost could change as the proposed sale moves through the Foreign Military Sales process. The sale is not finalized until all negotiations and congressional reviews are complete.
Independent journalist and Navy veteran Natalie Oliverio reported on the approval, drawing on her experience covering military issues.
