Transfer Approved By The State Department Valued At $82.5 Million

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq of five  Armed Bell 407GX helicopters configured with M240 7.62mm Machine Guns for an estimated cost of $82.5 million.  The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on October 3, 2018.

The Government of Iraq has requested to buy five Armed Bell 407GX helicopters configured with five  M240 7.62mm Machine Guns.  Also included are five  RF-7850A Secure Communications Radios, five  AN/AAR-60 MILDS Automatic Plume Detectors, five  AN/ALE-47 Airborne Countermeasure Dispensing Systems, five  M3P .50 Caliber Machine Guns, five  M260 Rocket Launchers (APKWS Configuration), five  MX-15Di EO/IR Sensors, five  GAU-19 .50 Caliber Machine Guns, five  Pathfinder Mission Management Systems, five  ARES Weapon Management Systems, five  Mission Configurable Armament Systems (MCAS), night vision compatible lighting systems, aircraft intercommunications systems (ICS), cockpit and seat armor kits, and bifurcated exhaust infrared suppressor systems, operating manuals, spare parts, maintenance and operator training for radio systems, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support.  The total estimated program cost is $82.5 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner.  The addition of five Bell 407GX helicopters will help compensate for the combat loss of seven IA407 helicopters in recent years and increase the Iraqi Security Forces’ combat effectiveness against ISIS and other terrorist elements in Iraq.  The 407GX variant – an upgrade from the current IA407 configuration – includes Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) launchers.  Providing Iraq with this capability supports U.S. security goals by furthering the Iraqi Army Aviation Command's ability to counter terrorism and protect critical infrastructure.  Iraq will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

(Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.dsca.mil