Iraq: US Approves $800M Bell Helicopter Sale
The US State Department has approved a possible $800 million sale of Bell 412EPX and 407M helicopters to Iraq, part of the country's effort to replace aging Russian-built rotorcraft with US-made aircraft.
Iraq: US Approves $800M Bell Helicopter Sale
The US State Department has approved a possible $800 million sale of Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M helicopters to Iraq as the country continues replacing aging Russian-built rotorcraft with US-made aircraft. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the proposed transaction on August 31, 2026.
Bell Textron will serve as the principal contractor for the package. It includes armed helicopters, weapons, sensors, communications equipment, spare parts, training, and logistical support.
Equipment and Capabilities
The proposed Foreign Military Sale covers Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M helicopters. The DSCA did not specify how many aircraft Iraq would receive. The two models are intended for different roles.
The twin-engine Bell 412EPX is designed for utility and transport missions. The smaller 407M is a military version of the Bell 407 configured for missions including armed reconnaissance and light attack. According to the State Department, the sale would improve Iraq’s ability to conduct rotary-wing transport, reconnaissance, and air-to-surface targeting missions.
Key weapons and sensor systems included in the package are:
| System | Type |
|---|---|
| GAU-19 | Three-barrel machine gun |
| M260 launcher | Seven-tube launcher for 2.75-inch rockets |
| L3Harris WESCAM MX-15HDI | Electro-optical and infrared sensor system |
| AN/AAR-60 Block 2 | Missile warning system |
The package also includes VHF radios, ground support equipment, spare and repair parts, and technical documentation. Training for Iraqi pilots and maintenance personnel is also part of the deal.
Replacing an Aging Fleet
The acquisition fits into a longer-running Iraqi effort to replace Russian-built helicopters that have become increasingly difficult to maintain. Iraq has operated a sizable fleet of Russian-built Mi-17 helicopters, but US government reports have previously identified difficulties obtaining spare parts following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The sale supports a modernization plan. Earlier Iraqi modernization plans called for the acquisition of Bell 412-family helicopters to replace Mi-17s and Bell 407Ms to replace older Bell 407s already operated by Iraqi forces. Those previously reported quantities are separate from the newly approved sale, which does not specify aircraft numbers.
Deal Context and Value
The $800 million figure represents the estimated maximum value of the proposed package rather than the final contract price. The value and equipment included in Foreign Military Sales can change as negotiations proceed.
The proposed sale comes as Iraq continues taking greater responsibility for its own security while the US-led military coalition winds down its current mission against ISIS in the country. The US and Iraq agreed on a phased transition from the coalition mission toward bilateral security relationships, with the current phase scheduled to conclude by the end of September 2026.
