Zambia plans to buy used Bell 412 transport helicopters and associated support from the United States with an estimated value of $100 million.
Depending on the model year and condition of the Bell 412EP helicopters, ranging from $2.6 million for a 1994 model to $9.6 million for a 2016 model, Zambia could acquire between 10 and 38 units.
The Zambia Air Force operates a fleet of utility helicopters, including 12 American Bell 205s, two Bell 206s and two Bell 212s. The helicopters serve various roles, including transport, medical evacuation and support for other government operations. Zambia has ordered two U.S.-made Enstrom 480s for training.
The Air Force also participates in the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique, deploying a C-27J Spartan transport aircraft and a protection regiment to support stabilization efforts in Cabo Delgado.
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 412 has a dual digital automatic flight control system and Pratt & Whitney PT6T-3D engines. The 412 is capable of civilian and military missions such as search and rescue, medical evacuation and offshore transport.
The helicopters would improve Zambia’s capability to conduct peacekeeping and regional security, disaster response, and humanitarian aid missions over long distances and in difficult weather.