US approves $800 million helicopter sale to Iraq

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department has approved a roughly $800 million military sale to Iraq covering advanced attack helicopters and supporting defense systems, according to a department notification. The package is being pursued alongside the planned restructuring of the U.S. military footprint in Iraq and the drawdown of American forces. The deal includes Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M helicopters, along with GAU-19 three-barrel heavy machine guns, M260 rocket launcher platforms, advanced reconnaissance and target-detection systems, early warning equipment and encrypted communications devices. Texas-based Bell Textron will serve as the prime contractor. The package also provides comprehensive training programs for Iraqi pilots and technical personnel, together with long-term logistics support services. According to the State Department, the sale is designed to help Iraq, a strategic partner, address current and future security threats and to support U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives. The department said the equipment is intended to strengthen Iraq's ability to counter terrorism on its own and reduce its reliance on the coalition for airspace security. A formal notification has been sent to Congress, a standard step for transactions of this size. No further details on delivery timelines were immediately available.