US oks possible FMS from Iraq for new Armed Bell 407GX helicopters.

The US State Department approved 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 US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on October 3, 2018.

A IqAF IA-407 Armed Helicopter

According to the DSCA, 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 other related elements of logistical and program support. 

“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 service added.

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,” the DSCA declared.

The principal contractors will be Bell, Fort Worth, TX; L3 WESCAM, Burlington, Ontario, Canada; Dillon, Scottsdale, AZ; Tekfusion Global, Williamsburg, VA; Harris, Melbourne, FL; and Fulcrum Concepts, Mattaponi, VA.