The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale of two types of Bell helicopters to Iraq under a contract worth approximately $800 million.
The package covers an unspecified number of Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M helicopters, as well as GAU-19 three-barrel machine gun launchers; M260 2.75-inch, 7-tube rockets; L-3 Wescam MX-15HDI electro-optical/infrared sensors; and AN/AAR-60 Block 2 Missile Launch Detection Systems.
Related program support and equipment, including very high frequency radios and spare parts, are also included in the deal.
According to the notice, “the proposed sale will improve Iraq’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its rotary wing transport, reconnaissance, and air-to-surface targeting capabilities.”
In 2023, Baghdad sought to replace its Soviet-designed Mi-17 rotorcraft with four Bell 412EPX choppers, alongside 16 Bell 412M medium-lift helicopters, and eyed acquiring more Bell 407Ms.
Bell Helicopters
The Bell 407M is a military helicopter designed primarily for armed reconnaissance, light attack, special operations, command and control, and anti-piracy missions.
The 407M can cruise at up to 133 knots (246 kilometers/153 miles per hour) and has a range of about 337 nautical miles (624 kilometers/388 miles), with a standard internal maximum gross weight of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds).
It can carry up to six passengers in addition to the pilot and has a maximum endurance of approximately four hours.
Meanwhile, the Bell 412EPX is a larger twin-engine utility helicopter intended for missions including troop transport, cargo hauling, emergency response, and other military and government operations.
The chopper can accommodate up to 14 passengers plus one pilot and has a maximum cruise speed of 123 knots (228 kilometers/142 miles per hour) and a range of about 361 nautical miles (670 kilometers/417 miles).
The 412EPX has a maximum internal gross weight of 5,534 kilograms (12,200 pounds) and a maximum endurance of 3.8 hours.
