Aviation News – The United States has approved a possible $150 million Foreign Military Sale of AW119Kx light utility helicopters and support equipment to Israel, expanding the country’s rotary-wing fleet and strengthening operational flexibility for training and light missions.
The U.S. State Department authorized the sale and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the decision. Israel requested additional AW119Kx helicopters along with aviation ground support equipment, spare and repair parts, engineering services, training, technical data and logistics support. The package will be added to an earlier Foreign Military Sales case valued at $78.2 million, bringing the combined program total to about $150 million, and reflects Israel’s ongoing efforts to modernize and sustain its light helicopter capabilities.
Built by Leonardo, the AW119Kx is a single-engine, multi-role helicopter designed for reliability, low operating costs and high performance in hot-and-high conditions. It supports missions such as pilot training, liaison duties, surveillance and light transport. Its simplified maintenance requirements and compatibility with ground support tools allow faster turnaround times and improved fleet availability.
