BELL is highlighting its Special Missions Aircraft (SMA), which combines the benefits of its proven commercial portfolio, with integrated modern military systems for para-public and para-military missions today at the Association of the US Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition 2026 from Oct 12-14.
At AUSA 2026, Bell will have its 407M on static display along with the MV-75 Cheyenne. Based on the iconic OH-58 Kiowa, the Bell 407M, with its 750,000 combat flight hours has been designed to deliver multi-mission flexibility, supporting armed reconnaissance, security, border patrol, special operations and light attack missions. The platform is particularly relevant for operators across the globe seeking a cost-effective and highly adaptable military rotorcraft solution. Designed to be easily reconfigured within 30 minutes between various missions, the Bell 407M meets the growing need for public safety and defence requirements.
This follows the recent US Department of State approval of a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Iraq for Bell 407M and Bell 412EPX helicopters and associated equipment for an estimated US$800 million. The announcement underscores continued demand for proven, mission-ready multi-role rotary-wing platforms around the world and reinforces Bell’s commitment to supporting regional security and operational requirements. Acquisition of the new helicopters is expected to enhance Iraq’s rotary-wing transport, reconnaissance and air-to-surface targeting capabilities.
According to the State Department, “the Government of Iraq requested to buy Bell 412EPX helicopters; Bell 407M helicopters; GAU-19 three-barrel machine gun launchers; M260 2.75-inch, 7-tube rockets; L-3 Wescam MX-15HDI Electro-Optical/Infrared sensor; AN/AAR-60 Block 2 Missile Launch Detection Systems; very high frequency radios; spare parts; peculiar ground support equipment; publications and technical data; new equipment training, including pilot and maintenance; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.”
The 407M can be armed with 12.7mm guns/gun pods, 7.62mm gun/gun pods, 7-shot 70mm Hydra unguided rockets/Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), AGM-114 Hellfire/AGM-176 Griffin guided missiles with options for pintle mount/external troop options. Additionally, the 412EPX is designed for multi-mission roles such as troop transport and firefighting, featuring a maximum internal weight of 12,200lbs, external weight of 13,000lbs, and a cargo hook capacity of 5,000lbs. The platform’s global reach spans Canada (CH-146 Griffon), Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Mexico, Sri Lanka and the Philippines integrating it into their armed forces. Today, the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) operates one of the largest Bell 412 fleets globally, with PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) producing multiple parts as part of Bell’s global supply chain.
This year, the Philippines Air Force (PAF) accepted more newly acquired 412EPX helicopters under the PAF’s Additional Utility Helicopter Project involving the procurement of eight 412EPX helicopters with all deliveries expected to be completed in the near future. The helicopters are expected to significantly enhance the PAF’s tactical helilift and multi-mission operational capabilities, primarily supporting troop transport for counterinsurgency and internal security operations, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance missions during calamities such as typhoons and earthquakes, as well as medical evacuation and logistics support in geographically isolated and remote areas.
With the addition of these new aircraft, the PAF now operates a total fleet of 18 Bell 412 helicopters, further strengthening its capability to conduct rapid deployment and sustain critical operations nationwide. Furthermore, an FMS sale of Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters and related equipment to the Philippines for an estimated cost of US$150 million is also on the horizon, though the number of aircraft are unspecified. The proposed sale would “improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by addressing aircraft competency gaps in operating rotary wing aircraft as part of an upgraded Bell 505 Jet Ranger X equipped with advanced system and thereby enhancing comprehensive training. This enhanced capability will facilitate the smooth transition for pilots to more complex rotary aircraft within the Armed Forces Philippines (AFP), and it is a cost-effective solution for developing rotary wing pilots,” a State Department statement read.
Users of the Bell 505 include the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL), Jamaican Air Force, Japan Coast Guard (JCG), Armed Forces of Montenegro, Iraqi Army Aviation Command, and the Royal Jordanian Air Force with more than 75 Bell 505s globally that support pilot training. Last June, Bell delivered 40 Bell 505s and eight simulators to the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) and Navy (ROKN), positioning the ROK among a growing list of government agencies worldwide that rely on the Bell 505 as a rotary-wing trainer.–shp/adj/dl (Pix:BELL)
