The U.S. State Department has cleared a potential Foreign Military Sale to Israel for additional AW119Kx light utility helicopters and associated support, according to a notification issued by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Valued at approximately USD 150 million, the package is intended to enhance Israel’s rotary-wing capabilities while reinforcing long-term training and sustainment cooperation with the United States.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency confirmed that the State Department has formally authorised the sale, which covers additional Leonardo AW119Kx helicopters alongside a comprehensive package of logistics, training, and support services. The certification has been forwarded to Congress and expands a previously approved case that remained below the statutory notification threshold—a mechanism commonly used to incrementally grow established defence programmes.
Israel’s request includes additional AW119Kx airframes, aviation ground support equipment, supplemental type certificate tooling, and an extensive inventory of spare and repair parts. The package also encompasses engineering services, test equipment, technical documentation, and integrated logistics support to ensure seamless incorporation into Israel’s existing rotary-wing fleet. Aircrew and maintainer training, supported by U.S. government and contractor personnel, forms a central element of the deal, underscoring a focus on immediate operational readiness rather than platform delivery alone.
Manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters, the AW119Kx is a single-engine light utility helicopter specifically configured for military training and operational support missions. The “Kx” designation denotes a militarised variant of the AW119K rather than a commercial adaptation, incorporating reinforced structures, upgraded avionics, and expanded military certification standards that distinguish it from civilian utility models.
The aircraft is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B-37A engine generating over 1,000 shaft horsepower, providing strong performance in hot-and-high conditions typical of Israel’s operating environment. Its fully digital glass cockpit—commonly based on the Garmin G1000H suite—supports night-vision goggle operations, instrument flight rules training, and advanced navigation profiles. This avionics commonality with frontline helicopters allows Israeli pilots to transition efficiently to more complex combat platforms.
Defence analysts note that the AW119Kx fills a key niche in the light helicopter category by combining useful payload capacity with endurance levels often associated with larger aircraft. Its flat-floor cabin and flexible internal layout enable rapid reconfiguration for troop transport, liaison, medical evacuation, or light cargo roles without structural modification. For Israel, this versatility allows routine utility missions, border security support, and continuous training to be conducted using a cost-effective platform, preserving heavier transport and attack helicopters for missions where their specialised capabilities are essential.
