The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, and Czech Republic Minister of Defence, Lubomir Metnar, signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance finalising the foreign military sale.

“We are privileged to support the Czech people and applaud the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces of the Czech Republic for selecting AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters.” said Vince Tobin, Executive Vice President of Bell’s Military Business.

CzechSigning.jpg

According to the firm:

“The H-1 mixed fleet shares 85-percent commonality between parts, reducing the logistics, maintenance, and training costs of the AH-1Z and UY-1Y helicopters while offering a lethal combination of integrated weapons systems to counter ground, air, and maritime targets effectively. The AH-1Z is the only helicopter in production equipped with the AIM-9 Sidewinder providing the most advanced air-to-air combat capabilities.”

“This mix allows the Czech Republic to accomplish a diverse mission set, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to close air support and air-to-air warfare,” said Joel Best, Director of Military Sales and Strategy, Europe.
The purchase of four AH-1Z and eight UH-1Y military helicopters represents the first foreign military sale of a mixed H-1 fleet. Bell anticipates deliveries of the aircraft to the Czech Republic will begin in 2023 and complete delivery by 2024.
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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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Helions
Helions
4 years ago

Venerable designs but still very effective after updating. Proves a point, every new aircraft offered doesn’t need to be a brand new and shiny ground up design. There are many (most IMO) exisiting types that are perfectly capable of soldiering on effectively if they’re modernized and updated with new engines and avionics. As long as their airframe is still sound. The B52 obviously comes to mind…

Cheers!

Helions
Helions
4 years ago

“existing”

MattW
MattW
4 years ago

Both are combat tested on a few different battlegrounds, so yep, why not.

Cam
Cam
4 years ago

85% shared parts, that’s got to come in very handy.

David Barry
David Barry
4 years ago
Reply to  Cam

So has the maritime capability πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚

Waddi
Waddi
4 years ago

Sidewinders on a helicopter? Scope for equipping the Crowsnest Merlins with a BVRAAM?

Frank62
Frank62
4 years ago
Reply to  Waddi

They’ve been equipping choppers for decades.