Iraq Cleared to Buy $300M in Logistics, Maintenance for Bell Helicopters
The proposed sale will improve the country’s capability to meet future threats, the State Department said.
U.S. and Iraqi Air Force aircrew prepare an Iraqi UH-1H II Huey prior to a mission at Taji Air Base, Iraq. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]
The State Department has cleared the path for Iraq to purchase $300 million in aircraft maintenance logistical support for Bell Helicopters.
The approval for the possible foreign military sale was granted after the Iraq government requested Bell contract logistics support and field service representative contract for three 407 variants, 206B3, OH-58A/C Kiowa, Huey II, and 505 aircraft.
"The proposed sale will improve the Republic of Iraq’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing the strength of its homeland defense," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement. "The Republic of Iraq will have no difficulty absorbing these services into its armed forces."
The announcement comes as Iraq continues to accelerate its air force modernization effort as part of forecasted defense spending of $27.3 billion, Air Force Technology reported.
Congress was notified of the approval determination November 2.
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