US to sell Bell helicopters worth $150 million to Iraq

The US State Department has approved a possible $150 million Foreign Military Sale to Iraq for Bell 412EPX helicopters and related equipment, as Washington moves to strengthen the airlift and operational capabilities of its strategic partner.

The proposed package includes Bell 412EPX helicopters, Very High Frequency (VHF) radios, spare parts, ground support equipment, publications and technical data, as well as pilot and maintenance training.

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It also includes US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services and other related elements of logistics and programme support, according to the State Department.

The proposed sale is intended to improve Iraq’s ability to respond to current and future threats by providing an airlift capability for troop, medical and logistics transport.

“The addition of air-lift capability affords Counter-Terrorism Services operational capabilities,” the State Department said.

The department said the sale would support US foreign policy and national security interests by “helping to improve the security of a strategic partner”.

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Iraq is expected to have no difficulty integrating the helicopters and associated services into its armed forces, according to the statement.

The proposed sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region, the State Department said.

Bell-Textron, based in Fort Worth, Texas, will be the principal contractor for the potential sale.