The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Zambia of Bell 412EP (Enhanced Performance) Exportable medium-lift transport helicopters, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 13 January 2025.
The proposed sale, which is worth an estimated USD 100 million (EUR 97 million), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.
The DSCA did not state how many Bell 412EP aircraft are covered in the package, but in September 2023 the US government announced a USD 80 million grant to Zambia to cover the procurement of four Bell 412EPs.
As well as the helicopters, the package requested by Zambia includes radio communication and navigation systems; weather radar and transponder capabilities; spare and repair parts; qualification and transition training for pilots and maintainers; in-country contractor support; and various other aspects of technical, training, logistics and programme support.
“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,” the DSCA stated.
The principal contractor for this FMS will be Bell Textron out of its facilities in Fort Worth, Texas.
