WASHINGTON, — The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $800 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Iraq covering Bell 412EPX utility helicopters, Bell 407M light military helicopters and associated weapons, sensors, communications equipment, training and support.
The approval was notified to Congress on August 31, 2026, under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process. The notification does not specify the number of helicopters Iraq has requested, and the proposed sale is not yet a finalized contract.
The State Department said the proposed package would improve Iraq's rotary-wing transport, reconnaissance and air-to-surface targeting capabilities and support the security of what it described as a strategic partner.
Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M
The proposed acquisition combines two different helicopter types.
The Bell 412EPX is a twin-engine utility helicopter developed by Bell and Subaru. Bell lists seating for one pilot and up to 14 passengers, a maximum cruise speed of about 123 knots (228 km/h), a maximum internal gross weight of 12,200 pounds (5,534 kg) and a cargo-hook capacity of 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg).
The helicopter is designed for utility and transport missions and has an external maximum gross weight of 13,000 pounds (5,897 kg). Bell says the 412EPX uses Pratt & Whitney PT6T-9 Twin Pac engines and an upgraded main rotor transmission.
The Bell 407M is a single-engine military version of the Bell 407 family intended for military and special-mission applications. Bell lists a standard configuration of one pilot and up to six passengers, a maximum cruise speed of 133 knots (246 km/h) and an external-load maximum gross weight of 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg).
Bell also lists a 3,100-pound (1,406 kg) cargo-hook capacity for the 407M and a Rolls-Royce Model 250-C47E/4 turboshaft engine producing 862 shaft horsepower at takeoff.
Weapons and Mission Systems
The proposed Iraqi package includes equipment for both reconnaissance and armed missions.
The weapons listed in the notification include GAU-19 three-barrel machine guns and M260 seven-tube launchers for 2.75-inch (70 mm) rockets.
For surveillance and targeting, Iraq has requested L3Harris WESCAM MX-15HDI electro-optical/infrared sensors. The package also includes AN/AAR-60 Block 2 missile-launch detection systems.
Additional equipment includes very-high-frequency radios, spare parts, ground-support equipment, publications and technical data. The proposed sale also covers pilot and maintenance training and U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support.
Bell Textron to Be Principal Contractor
Bell Textron, based in Fort Worth, Texas, is identified as the principal contractor for the proposed sale.
The $800 million figure covers the proposed aircraft, equipment and associated support package. Because the notification does not specify the number of helicopters and the final configuration remains subject to negotiations, the eventual contract could differ from the notified proposal.
Congressional Review
The State Department's approval is an important step in the U.S. FMS process, but it does not mean that a contract has been signed. Congress has a period to review the proposed transaction before the process can move toward final agreements and contracting.
The proposed acquisition would add new Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M capabilities to Iraq's rotary-wing fleet while providing weapons, sensors, training and sustainment support as part of a single FMS package.
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