The State Department has approved a potential $800 million Iraq helicopter sale that would provide Bell helicopters, weapons and a package of related equipment and support, according to the department.
The proposed Foreign Military Sale covers GAU-19 three-barrel machine gun launchers, M260 seven-tube launchers for 2.75-inch rockets, electro-optical and infrared sensors, and missile launch detection systems.
Officials did not specify how many helicopters Iraq intends to buy.
Iraq helicopter sale and Foreign Military Sales package
The package also includes Very High Frequency radios, spare parts, ground support equipment, technical publications and data, and new-equipment training for Iraqi pilots and maintenance personnel. U.S. government and contractor teams would provide engineering, technical and logistics support.
The department said the sale is intended to bolster Iraq’s ability to respond to current and future threats by enhancing rotary-wing transport, reconnaissance, and air-to-surface targeting.
Equipment listed for sale includes L-3 Wescam MX-15HDI electro-optical and infrared sensors and AN/AAR-60 Block 2 missile launch detection systems.
The prospective deal follows ongoing U.S.-Iraqi efforts to modernize Iraq’s helicopter fleet. A 2026 Department of Defense Office of Inspector General report on Operation Inherent Resolve stated that Iraq’s Ministry of Defense had requested, through Foreign Military Sales, four Bell 412EPXs and 16 Bell 412Ms to replace Russian-made Mi-17s, as well as 15 Bell 407Ms to take over the light-attack role from existing 407s.
Those earlier quantities and the Bell 412M request should not be taken as the configuration or totals for the newly approved $800 million package. They were cited solely from the OIG report.
The State Department said the action supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of a strategic partner.
Bell-Textron of Fort Worth, Texas, is identified as the principal contractor.
The notification marks approval of a potential Foreign Military Sale, not a finalized contract. Quantities, configuration and overall cost may change as the case proceeds through the FMS process.