U.S. Approves $800 Million Helicopter Arms Deal With Iraq

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $800 million foreign military sale to Iraq, a package aimed at strengthening Baghdad’s ability to move troops, conduct reconnaissance, and strike hostile targets amid continuing instability across the region.

The proposed deal includes Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M helicopters, machine-gun systems, rocket launchers, optical and infrared targeting systems, missile-launch detection equipment, radios, spare parts, training, and logistical support.

U.S. officials said the sale would help Iraq meet “current and future threats” by improving its rotary-wing transport, surveillance, and air-to-surface capabilities. Bell Textron, based in Fort Worth, Texas, is expected to serve as the principal contractor.

The approval comes as Washington continues to back Iraq’s security forces while seeking to limit the influence of Iranian-backed militias operating inside the country. The sale still falls under the foreign military sales process and does not necessarily mean the full amount will be finalized in a signed contract.

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