Bell Textron begins production of 12 Viper helicopters for Nigeria

Bell Textron Inc. has commenced production of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for the Nigerian Air Force at its Amarillo Assembly Center in Texas. The production milestone was marked by a ceremony where a delegation led by Nigeria’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, inspected the production line and signed the frame of the first aircraft.

The helicopters are being acquired through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. While the specific production contract for these 12 aircraft is valued at $455 million, it is part of a larger potential defense sale approved by the U.S. State Department with an estimated maximum value of $997 million.

Deliveries are expected to be completed by early 2029. In addition to manufacturing the aircraft, Bell will provide engineering services, program management, and logistical support. Nigerian officials stated the acquisition is intended to strengthen counter-terrorism and anti-insurgency operations.