Bell begins AH-1Z build for Bahrain

Bell has begun assembly of the first of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for Bahrain ahead of the commencement of customer deliveries later this year.

The manufacturer announced the milestone on 12 April following a visit to the Amarillo, Texas, production facility by the Bahraini ambassador to the United States, Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa, and other Bahraini and US military and programme leaders in March.

“Bell hosted a delegation from the Kingdom of Bahrain to mark the start of production of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters built as part of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. Delegates toured the Bell Amarillo production facility to observe the production line and ceremoniously sign the aircraft’s frame destined to join the [Royal] Bahraini Air Force,” the company said.

Bahrain is to receive its AH-1Z attack helicopters under an FMS deal that was first approved in April 2018 and signed in February 2019. The helicopters are being built under the US military’s Lot 16 production run, with deliveries to Bahrain now expected to commence later this year.

As noted by the US Defense Security and Cooperation Agency (DSCA) when the procurement was first approved, in addition to the 12 AH-1Z helicopters, Bahrain is to also acquire Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and BAE Systems Advance Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II guided rockets, as well as Thales’ TopOwl helmet-mounted display system.

The total value of the deal, including spares, support, and ancillary equipment, was estimated by the DSCA to be USD911.4 million.