First Order For Bell In Africa

Bell Textron announced at the Paris Air Show 2025 that it received a signed purchase agreement from the Tunisian Air Force for twelve SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters, representing its first order for this variant in Africa and the Middle East region.

The aircraft will be used for multi-role military and security missions as the Tunisian Air Force expands its fleet of rotary wing aircraft of 39 Bell aircraft including the UH-1 Iroquois (known more commonly as the Huey), 205 (civilian version of the UH-1), and OH-58 Kiowa.

Tim Evans, Managing Director for Middle East and Africa at Bell said, “The Bell 412 is one of the most trusted platforms globally, and we are honored to support the Tunisian Air Force as it expands its fleet with this proven and versatile aircraft. The SUBARU Bell 412EPX has been gaining momentum as an international military platform, we’re thrilled to bring it to the Middle East and Africa region with the Tunisian Air Force.”

The Bell 412 is known for its reliability and adaptability by enabling operators to perform a wide variety of missions. The company said that to date more than 54% of the global Bell 412 fleet is used for military and para-public missions.

Bell has made other sales of the 412 model in recent months, including to the Japan Coast Guard, San Diego Fire & Rescue, Croatia Ministry of Interior, Sarajevo Canton Ministry or Interior, and more.

The SUBARU BELL 412EPX has a max internal weight of 12,200 lbs / 5,530 kg, external weight of 13,000 lbs / 5,890 kg, and a cargo hook capacity of 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg. Its useful load is 5,385 lbs / 2,442 kg.

FMI:  www.bellflight.com/