Ukraine is in “energetic” negotiations with the U.S. to amass 12 Bell AH-1Z Viper fight helicopters, initially produced for Pakistan and later provided to Slovakia, based on a report by Protection Information.
The discussions come as Ukraine seeks to bolster its frontline capabilities amid ongoing fight operations in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and different areas.
A senior trade official, talking on situation of anonymity, indicated that Slovakia had initially pursued a reduced deal for the helicopters. Nonetheless, Bratislava has since shifted its focus towards different potential protection purchases, together with F-16 fighter jets and air protection methods. This transfer has reportedly precipitated some frustration amongst U.S. officers, based on the supply conversant in the talks.
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Vadym Ivchenko, a member of Ukraine’s parliament from the Batkivshchyna celebration, informed Protection Information that Ukraine has been fascinated about buying the Viper helicopters since 2022. “These helicopters are essential for our troopers combating on the entrance strains in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and conducting operations within the Kursk area,” Ivchenko mentioned.
The AH-1Z Viper helicopters have been initially ordered by Pakistan underneath two U.S. Overseas Army Gross sales (FMS) agreements in 2015 and 2016, making Pakistan the primary overseas buyer for this superior helicopter. The 12 helicopters have been produced between mid-2017 and mid-2018 at Bell’s manufacturing facility in Amarillo, Texas. Nonetheless, following the U.S. authorities’s choice in January 2018 to halt army help to Pakistan because of political causes—primarily over considerations that Pakistan was not doing sufficient to fight Taliban forces and radical Islamist teams close to the Afghan border—the helicopters have been by no means delivered.
Consequently, all 12 AH-1Z helicopters have been transferred to non permanent storage on the 309th Aerospace Upkeep and Regeneration Group (AMARG) at Davis-Monthan Air Power Base in Arizona between 2018 and 2019.
Ukraine’s curiosity in buying these helicopters comes amid its ongoing battle with Russia, the place the necessity for superior army gear has grown. The Vipers, geared up with cutting-edge expertise and able to precision strikes, may present Ukrainian forces with a much-needed edge on the battlefield.
The end result of the negotiations stays unsure, however the potential switch of those helicopters would mark a major improve in Ukraine’s air capabilities because it continues to defend its sovereignty in opposition to Russian aggression.
