The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Iraq for Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M helicopters, along with related equipment, for an estimated cost of $800 million.
According to the official notification, the requested procurement package includes the rotary-wing platforms, GAU-19 three-barrel machine gun launchers, M260 2.75-inch 7-tube rocket launchers, L-3 Wescam MX-15HDI Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and AN/AAR-60 Block 2 Missile Launch Detection Systems. The agreement also covers VHF radios, spare parts, ground support equipment, and pilot and maintenance training.
The proposed sale aims to enhance the Iraqi Armed Forces’ rotary-wing transport, reconnaissance, and air-to-surface targeting capabilities to meet current and future operational requirements.
Texas-based defense manufacturer Bell-Textron will serve as the principal contractor for the program, providing comprehensive engineering, technical, and logistics support services.