Pentagon approves $100 million Bell 412 sale to Zambia
Bell’s 412 helicopter is one of several Bell types that operate within Zambia’s Air Force fleet. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Master Sgt. Travis Hill)
The deal highlights Zambia’s ongoing pursuit to buy more Bell 412s to round out its diverse helicopter fleet.
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Republic of Zambia for Bell 412 helicopters at an estimated cost of US$100 million.
Zambia has asked to buy the medium-lift transport helicopter primarily to conduct peacekeeping, regional security, humanitarian aid and disaster response missions over long distances and in all weather conditions.
The contract also includes requests for qualification and transition training for pilots and maintainers, ground support equipment and contractor field support.
The purchase of the helicopters would be facilitated by a combination of foreign military funds and Zambian national funds, according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
Bell will be the principal contract for the sale, based in Fort Worth, Texas. The sale will also, according to the DSCA, help to “improve the security of an important partner that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in South Central Africa”.
Zambia already operates eight Bell 412 helicopters in its air forces’ fleet, having announced an $80 million grant with the United States in September 2023 for four helicopters. At the time, grant covered three years of service, parts and training.
The Zambian Air Force also reportedly introduced two Bell 412EP helicopters into its fleet, from this order, in March 2024.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Testing of Taiwan’s air-launched supersonic anti-ship missile commences]()
Testing of Taiwan’s air-launched supersonic anti-ship missile commences
Should it be introduced into service, the air-launched Hsiung Feng 3 could boost Taiwan’s anti-ship missile capacity and kill zones.
-
![Swarm drones and CCAs take flight in India]()
Swarm drones and CCAs take flight in India
India reaches new milestones as it pushes it unmanned combat and surveillance strategy forward.
-
![Portugal may snub F-35 fighter jets in the face of Trump administration “unpredictability”]()
Portugal may snub F-35 fighter jets in the face of Trump administration “unpredictability”
A change in the White House’s attitude towards NATO and its European allies may lead to Portugal opting for a non-US option to replace its ageing Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter fleet.
-
![Ireland to explore options for tactical UAS procurement]()
Ireland to explore options for tactical UAS procurement
The EU planning notice cited that the uncrewed aerial system (UAS) would be used for predominantly for reconnaissance purposes with a greater range and endurance than drones currently operated by the Irish Defence Forces.
-
![Panama approves $187 million purchase of Airbus and Embraer aircraft]()
Panama approves $187 million purchase of Airbus and Embraer aircraft
The C295 and Super Tucano deals for its National Aeronaval Service were approved as part of an emergency procedure by the government on 11 March.
-
![US Navy tests new comms pod for Marine Corps’ MQ-9A Reaper]()
US Navy tests new comms pod for Marine Corps’ MQ-9A Reaper
The pod, named SkyTower II (STII) was tested ahead of the system’s initial operational capability (IOC) in 2026.
