
US and Zambian air force officials pose in front of one of four Bell 412EP helicopters acquired by the African country in 2023. Further helicopters (believed to be five) have now also been approved. (US Embassy in Zambia )
The United States has approved the sale of additional Bell 412 helicopters to Zambia, the US Defense Security and Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 13 January.
The approval covers an undisclosed number of Bell 412 Enhanced Performance (EP) Exportable medium-lift transport helicopters, related equipment, training, and support for an estimated USD100 million. The sale will be funded by a combination of Foreign Military Financing and Zambian national funds.
“The proposed sale will improve Zambia's capability to conduct peacekeeping and regional security, disaster response, and humanitarian aid missions over long distances and in non-standard weather conditions. Zambia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces,” the DSCA said.
While the DSCA did not say how many helicopters Zambia is now looking to acquire, in September 2023 the US Embassy in Zambia said the US would provide Zambia with an USD80 million grant to cover four 412EP helicopters for its air force (including three years of service, parts, and training). With an estimated value of USD20 million per 412EP, this latest approval likely covers five helicopters.
With the four helicopters previously received, the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) will now likely field nine 412EPs with this new approval.
The 412EP is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney PT6T-3DF engines for improved ‘hot and high' performance, and is fitted with night-vision imaging system-compatible cockpit lighting and searchlights. It typically carries a Star SAFIRE III electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) sensor system.
For more information on the ZAF, please see Zambia – Air Force.
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