US Greenlights Possible Sale of Bell Helicopter Support to Iraq

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of aircraft maintenance and logistics support services for Bell Helicopters to Iraq for around 300 million USD. This is according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency press release. 

From Press Release - IRAQ – BELL HELICOPTER CONTRACTED LOGISTICS SUPPORT (CLS):

The Government of Iraq has requested to buy additional services, as indicated below, that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original FMS case, valued at $28 million, included a Bell Contracted Logistics Support (CLS) and Field Service Representative (FSR) contract. This notification is for the combined CLS and FSR maintenance support for the following Bell aircraft: three (3) 407 variants, 206B3, OH-58A/C Kiowa, Huey II and 505. Also included is U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $300 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 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 Republic of Iraq will have no difficulty absorbing these services into its armed forces.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of four (4) additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Iraq for a duration of one (1) year to support CLS for Bell 505 aircraft. There are currently seven (7) U.S. Government or contractor representatives in Iraq that will stay an additional two (2) years to provide support for the contract option years for CLS and FSR service support for the three (3) 407 variants, 206B3, OH-58A/C and Huey II aircraft.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.