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
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop]()
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
-
![Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)]()
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
-
![US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist]()
US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist
The USAF is looking for commercial avionics solutions to improve the T-38 Talon’s reliability, readiness and flight safety as continued T-7A Red Hawk delays increase the likelihood that the legacy trainer will remain in service longer than planned.
-
![British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty]()
British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty
The UK’s choice of the Tekever AR5 for Project Corvus reflects a wider shift in military drone procurement towards solutions that centre on sovereignty and domestic production, moving away from overseas reliance.
