The US Department of State has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the government of Iraq for military helicopters and related equipment valued at approximately $800 million.
In a statement released on Monday (August 31, 2026), US authorities confirmed that Texas-based aerospace and defense contractor Bell Textron will serve as the principal contractor for the package.
The State Department noted that the sale aligns with US foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the defense capabilities of a strategic partner in the Middle East.
The procurement package—which includes Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M helicopters—is designed to significantly upgrade the Iraqi Armed Forces’ rotary-wing transport, airborne reconnaissance, and air-to-surface precision targeting capabilities.
This long-term assistance aims to ensure Iraq can effectively mitigate present and future security threats amidst ongoing regional instability and domestic military challenges.
The acquisition substantially boosts the Iraqi military’s ability to execute troop transport, reconnaissance, and precision air-to-surface strikes.
The defense agreement supports broader US foreign policy targets by fortifying Iraq’s defense architecture against internal insurgent threats and regional volatility.
