US Approves $138 Million Hellfire Missile Sale to Czech Republic.

On July 17, 2024, the U.S. government approved the potential sale of 200 Hellfire missiles to the Czech Republic to equip its AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters. This transaction, estimated at approximately $138.26 million, also includes necessary transport and logistical support. This information was made public by the U.S. State Department through a notification to Congress for approval, as part of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
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AH-1Z Viper helicopter is launching the AGM-114 Hellfire guided missile (Picture source: US DoD)

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) specified that this purchase project by the Czech government includes not only the 200 air-to-ground Hellfire missiles but also 4 training missiles (CATM) and 600 WGU 59A/B (APKWS) II conversion kits for rockets. The package also includes training material for Czech Air Force members, spare parts, and various expendable components.

The main contractors involved in this operation are Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems, based in Florida and New Hampshire, respectively. These companies will need to provide representatives to participate in the various scheduled technical reviews and in the training of Czech troops, alongside the U.S. armed forces.

The DSCA stated that this sale supports the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the security of a NATO ally. "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally, which is a significant force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. The proposed sale will enhance the Czech Republic's capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats, contributing to its military modernization goals and improving interoperability with the United States and other allies."

It is important to recall that the Czech Republic initially purchased 12 helicopters from the AH-1 family from the United States in 2019, including 8 UH-1Y Venom and 4 AH-1Z Viper, for an amount of approximately $630 million. This first purchase aimed to replace the old fleet of Russian-made Mil Mi-2, Mi-8/17, and Mi-24V/35 helicopters, some of which were donated to Ukraine as part of military assistance following the start of the war in 2022. In compensation, the United States provided the Czech Republic with 6 additional AH-1Z Vipers and 2 UH-1Y Venoms, constituting a fleet of 20 helicopters. The first two AH-1Z Vipers arrived in the Czech Republic in August 2023.

The Hellfire missiles, also known as AGM-114R multipurpose missiles, have a range of up to 8 kilometers and a maximum altitude of 3,000 feet. Weighing approximately 49.5 kilos and measuring 1.63 meters in length and 18 centimeters in diameter, they are guided by a SAL system. The M299 launcher, proposed by the manufacturer, can be installed on aerial, naval, or ground units, offering great user flexibility. Lockheed Martin specifies that these missiles can be used in two guidance configurations: the LOBL (Lock-On Before Launch) configuration and the LOAL (Lock-On After Launch) configuration.

This acquisition thus strengthens the defense capabilities of the Czech Republic, improving its interoperability with allied forces and its ability to address regional threats.