IRIA News

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The United States has approved a $800 million military sale to Iraq that would provide Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M helicopters along with weapons, sensors, communications equipment, training and logistical support.

The U.S. State Department announced the approval, saying the proposed Foreign Military Sale would strengthen Iraq’s ability to respond to current and future security threats and improve its rotary-wing transport, reconnaissance and air-to-surface targeting capabilities.

The notification does not specify how many helicopters Iraq would receive. It also does not represent a completed contract. The final number of aircraft, configuration, equipment, and total cost could change as the sale moves through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process. Bell-Textron of Fort Worth, Texas, has been identified as the principal contractor.

The proposed package goes beyond the helicopters themselves, giving Iraq a combination of transport, reconnaissance, targeting, and light-attack capabilities. The Bell 412EPX is included alongside the Bell 407M, a militarized version of the Bell 407 designed for armed and special-mission operations.

The weapons package includes GAU-19 three-barrel machine gun systems and M260 seven-tube launchers for 2.75-inch rockets. These would allow the aircraft to provide close air support and engage ground targets while operating in support of Iraqi security forces.

The helicopters would also receive L3Harris WESCAM MX-15HDI electro-optical and infrared sensors. These systems can provide crews with day and night surveillance and targeting capabilities, allowing the aircraft to identify and track targets from the air.

The package also includes AN/AAR-60 Block 2 missile launch detection systems. The defensive equipment is particularly important for helicopters operating in environments where shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles can pose a serious threat.

The proposed sale would also include very-high-frequency radios, spare parts, ground support equipment, technical publications and data, and training for Iraqi pilots and maintenance personnel. U.S. government and contractor personnel would also provide engineering, technical and logistics support.

The State Department said the sale would improve Iraq’s rotary-wing transport, reconnaissance and air-to-surface targeting capabilities while supporting U.S. foreign policy and national security interests through stronger security for a “strategic partner.”

Broader Fleet Modernization

The proposed sale appears to fit into Iraq’s longer-term effort to modernize its military helicopter fleet and reduce reliance on older aircraft.

A 2026 U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General report on Operation Inherent Resolve said Iraq’s Ministry of Defense had previously submitted Foreign Military Sales requests for four Bell 412EPX and 16 Bell 412M helicopters to replace Russian-built Mi-17 helicopters.

The same report also identified a request for 15 Bell 407M helicopters to replace existing Bell 407s in the light-attack role.

However, those figures should not be treated as the number of aircraft covered by the newly approved $800 million package. The Pentagon’s inspector general reported them separately, and they reflect earlier Iraqi requests.

The new State Department notification does not disclose the quantity of Bell 412EPX or Bell 407M helicopters involved.

The separate requests highlight the direction of Iraq’s helicopter modernization efforts. Iraq has operated a mixed fleet of Russian- and U.S.-built helicopters for years, with American platforms becoming an increasingly important part of its aviation capabilities.

The Bell 407 is already operated by the Iraqi Army Aviation Command, meaning the proposed acquisition would build on an aircraft type already familiar to Iraqi crews and maintainers.

Transport to Reconnaissance

The combination of helicopters, weapons, sensors and defensive systems would give Iraq a flexible rotary-wing capability rather than simply replacing older transport aircraft.

The Bell 412EPX can provide greater utility for transport and support missions, while the Bell 407M is suited to lighter armed and reconnaissance operations.

With electro-optical and infrared sensors, the aircraft could conduct surveillance and target detection in a range of conditions. The addition of machine guns and rocket launchers would allow selected aircraft to support ground forces directly.

The missile warning system would add another layer of protection against infrared-guided missiles and other threats to low-flying helicopters.

Together, the equipment would give Iraq a more modern platform for missions ranging from troop and equipment transport to reconnaissance, security operations and air-to-surface targeting.

US-Iraq relationship

The proposed sale also reflects the continuing U.S. security relationship with Iraq. Washington has supported the development of Iraq’s military capabilities for years, particularly in the areas of counterterrorism, intelligence, aviation and force modernization.

The State Department described Iraq as a strategic partner and said the proposed acquisition would contribute to its ability to address both current and future threats.

The timing is also significant for Iraq’s efforts to maintain capable national security forces as the country continues to develop its own military capabilities and manage threats from militant groups and other armed actors.

A stronger helicopter fleet could give Iraqi forces greater mobility and surveillance capabilities while reducing the operational burden on fixed-wing aircraft and other assets.

Final Approval

Despite the $800 million headline figure, the approval does not mean Iraq has signed an $800 million contract or that the helicopters are guaranteed to be delivered in the configuration described.

U.S. government approval allows the proposed Foreign Military Sale to move forward, but negotiations and the subsequent stages of the Foreign Military Sales process can alter the final package.

The number of helicopters, specific equipment, support arrangements, and final price could therefore change. For now, the approval marks a significant step toward a potential expansion of Iraq’s U.S.-built helicopter fleet, combining Bell’s transport and light-attack platforms with modern sensors, weapons, and defensive systems.

If completed, the deal would give Iraq additional rotary-wing capacity while deepening the country’s reliance on U.S. equipment for a key part of its military aviation force.