US approves $800 million helicopter and military equipment sale to Iraq

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department has approved a military sale to Iraq valued at approximately $800 million, covering Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M helicopters along with related equipment, according to a State Department notification. The package, requested by the Iraqi government, also includes GAU-19 three-barrel machine gun pods, seven launcher pods for 2.75-inch M260 rockets, L-3 Wescam MX-15HDI electro-optical/infrared sensors and AN/AAR-60 Block 2 missile fire-warning systems. Very high frequency radios, spare parts, specialized ground support equipment, technical publications and data, and training for the new equipment are part of the deal. The State Department said the sale covers pilot and maintenance training, engineering, technical and logistical support services, and other program-support elements. It said the proposed sale would strengthen the security of Iraq, described as a strategic partner, and support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. According to the department, the helicopters are intended to improve Iraq's transport, reconnaissance and air-to-ground target identification capabilities, enhancing its ability to address current and future threats.