US approves $100 million Bell 412EP transport helicopters sale to Zambia.

On January 13, 2025, the United States approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Zambia for several Bell 412 Enhanced Performance (EP) Medium-Lift Transport Helicopters and associated support, with an estimated value of $100 million. Based on the model year and condition of the Bell 412EP helicopters, ranging from approximately $2.6 million for a 1994 model to $9.6 million for a 2016 model, Zambia could potentially acquire between 10 and 38 units.
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Current military operators of the Bell 412EP helicopter include the Argentine Air Force, the Slovenian Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force, and the Botswana Defence Force. (Picture source: US DoD)

As of January 2025, military relations between Zambia and the United States focus on security and defense cooperation. In April 2022, U.S. Africa Command established an Office of Security Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka to support military modernization, force management, and professional military education for Zambian security forces. In September 2024, the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, provided a United Nations engagement course for the Zambia Defence Force, focusing on enhancing peacekeeping capabilities.

The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) currently operates a fleet of utility helicopters, including 12 American Bell 205s, 2 Bell 206s, 2 Bell 212s, 5 Russian Mil Mi-17s, and 7 Chinese Harbin Z-9s. These helicopters serve various roles, including transport, medical evacuation, and support for other government operations. Additionally, Zambia has ordered two American-made Enstrom 480s for training purposes. The ZAF also participates in the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), deploying a C-27J Spartan transport aircraft and a protection regiment to support stabilization efforts in Cabo Delgado.

Zambia maintains a non-aligned foreign policy while fostering diplomatic and economic relations with global powers. The country receives over $500 million annually in U.S. humanitarian assistance, one of the highest amounts on a per capita basis. In December 2024, President Joe Biden visited Angola to promote the U.S.-backed Lobito Atlantic Railway project, which aims to connect Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to Angola's Atlantic port for exporting critical minerals such as copper and cobalt. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to counter China's influence in the region and underscores Zambia's role in global supply chains for strategic minerals.

Produced since 1979, the Bell 412, part of the Huey family, is a twin-turbine utility helicopter developed by the U.S. company Bell Helicopter as an upgraded version of the Bell 212. It features a four-blade composite main rotor, replacing the 212's two-blade system. The prototype first flew in August 1979, with certification and initial deliveries starting in January 1981. Variants include the 412SP with increased fuel capacity and maximum takeoff weight, the 412HP with an enhanced transmission, and the 412EP, certified for single pilot IFR (Instrument flight rules), introduced in the early 1990s as an update to the Bell 412HP. It features a dual digital automatic flight control system (DDAFCS) and Pratt & Whitney PT6T-3D engines, designed to improve operational performance under varied conditions. These modifications address the requirements of civilian and military operators for missions such as search and rescue, medical evacuation, and offshore transport.

Variants of the Bell 412 helicopter, such as the 412SP, the 412HP, and the 412EP, address the requirements of both civilian and military operators for missions such as search and rescue, medical evacuation, and offshore transport. (Picture source: US DoD)

Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada's PT6T-3D Twin-Pac or PT6T-3DF Twin-Pac coupled turboshaft engines, each delivering 1,250 shp (shaft horsepower), this medium-lift utility helicopter has a maximum cruise speed of approximately 226 km/h, a service ceiling of 20,000 feet (6,096 meters), a range of 980 km, a maximum gross weight of 11,900 pounds (5,398 kilograms), and a useful load capacity of 5,100 pounds (2,313 kilograms). The 412EP's cabin accommodates up to 14 passengers, with 7.7-foot-wide doors for loading and unloading. In 2013, the 412EPI variant introduced electronically controlled PT6T-9 engines, increasing hot day takeoff power by 15% and improving hover performance, Category A capabilities, and one-engine-inoperative performance.

It also features the Bell BasiX-Pro glass cockpit system with four multi-function displays, Garmin GTN-750 navigation, and the Power Situation Indicator (PSI). The Subaru Bell 412EPX, developed with Subaru, includes a more robust main rotor gearbox with dry run capability, an increased internal maximum gross weight of 12,200 pounds (5,534 kilograms), and an 11% higher mast torque output at speeds below 60 knots, enhancing its performance and operational parameters.

Manufactured under license in countries such as Italy, Indonesia, and Japan, the Bell 412 has been widely adopted for civilian and military applications, with over 1,300 units delivered by 2022. It has been deployed for disaster relief, medical evacuation, and offshore transport. Current military operators of the 412EP include the Argentine Air Force, the Slovenian Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force, and the Botswana Defence Force.

Law enforcement usage includes the New York City Police Department's Aviation Unit. Civilian operations are conducted by organizations such as Canadian Helicopters Limited for missions including medical evacuation and utility services. The Sri Lanka Air Force's No. 4 Squadron employs the Bell 412EP for VIP air transport. The aircraft's range of applications has resulted in a diverse group of current and potential operators.