Slovakia to get US attack helicopters after donating jets to Ukraine
Slovakia would have to pay $340 million over three to four years for a deal worth over $1 billion. (USMC)
The US is offering a dozen AH-1Z Viper helicopters to Slovakia at two-thirds discount with the latter sending its fighters to Ukraine, which would likely extend H-1 production beyond 2023.
The US has offered to sell 12 new Bell AH-1Z Viper helicopters at a two-thirds discount to Slovakia, Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad said on 22 March.
The news comes just days after Slovakia said it would send retired MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine, becoming the second nation after Poland to donate fast jets to the invaded country.
Slovakia would have to pay $340 million over three to four years for a deal worth over $1 billion, with the difference being covered by US Foreign Military Financing.
Related Articles
Poland to send MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine within days
Poland to arm AW149 helicopters with Hellfire missiles
US speeds up Abrams deliveries to Ukraine by switching to M1A1s
According to Shephard Defence Insight, Bell has completed AH-1Z production for the USMC, and only has smaller export orders from Bahrain and the Czech Republic to fulfil, so confirmation of the deal would extend the line.
However, the 12-aircraft total also matches the number ordered by Pakistan under a now-suspended FMS deal. At least ten of the helicopters are believed to have been completed.
Nad said Bratislava still needs to approve the deal. The package includes parts, training and more than 500 AGM-114 Hellfire II missiles.
Slovakia currently has no combat helicopters.
Alongside the offer of US equipment, Slovakia will receive 250 million euros ($269 million) in European Union compensation, Nad said in a social media post.
He added that the helicopter offer was partly due to its support for neighbouring Ukraine and also indirect compensation for the delayed delivery of F-16 fighter jets which the country ordered in 2018 that are now due to arrive in 2024.
The AH-1Z programme is a major upgrade of the USMC AH-1W. The first production aircraft was rolled out in January 2007, and by August 2008, Bell had delivered ten Vipers.
The final operational evaluation phase concluded in June 2010, and the type received full-rate production certification in September of that year.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![How satcom is shaping the future of fast, accurate warfare (podcast)]()
How satcom is shaping the future of fast, accurate warfare (podcast)
"Speed is the key advantage and accuracy is the key outcome": Amazon Kuiper Government Solutions’ Rick Freeman talks to Shephard’s Georgia Lewis about how space-as-a-service is transforming defence connectivity and access to satellite capabilities.
-
![Boeing’s T-7A poised to meet UK fast jet trainer requirements]()
Boeing’s T-7A poised to meet UK fast jet trainer requirements
The company is in active discussions with its supply chain to meet any potential near-term UK requirements as it gears up to replace the RAF’s ageing Hawk trainer aircraft.
-
![GA-ASI confirms selection to support US Navy’s CCA programme]()
GA-ASI confirms selection to support US Navy’s CCA programme
The company is working on conceptual designs for the US Navy’s CCA programme alongside Anduril, Northrop Grumman and Boeing.
-
![The growing importance of the Blue UAS Cleared List]()
The growing importance of the Blue UAS Cleared List
Inclusion on the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue UAS Cleared List is set to become ever more crucial for uncrewed aerial vehicle manufacturers due to the access it gives to the US market, which is set to expand significantly over the next 10 years.
-
![The potential impact of US tariffs on the F-35A]()
The potential impact of US tariffs on the F-35A
The Trump administration’s proposed tariffs have raised questions on the desirability and feasibility of the F-35A for key US allies including Canada and Switzerland. With combined orders amounting to 126 units, both nations undertook reviews of their ongoing fighter programmes.
