US likely to sell AH-1Z attack helicopters to Czech Republic

The US State Department has proposed to approve a possible foreign military sale of four AH-1Z attack helicopters and related equipment to the Czech Republic for an estimated cost of $205m.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has delivered a certification notifying Congress of the possible sale.

The Government of Czech Republic has sought four AH-1Z attack helicopters, eight T700-GE-701D engines (installed), eight Honeywell Embedded Global Positioning Systems with Inertial Navigation (EGI) and Precise Positioning Service (PPS) (installed), and 14 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.

It has also requested communication equipment, electronic warfare systems, M197 20mm machine guns, target sight system, spare engine containers, test equipment, and personnel training.

The Czech Republic is seeking US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, as well as other related elements of logistics and programme support.

The proposed sale is expected to support US foreign policy by helping to improve the security of a Nato partner, which is important in ensuring peace and stability in Europe.

It will support the Czech Republic’s need to meet self-defence and Nato defence goals.

The Czech Republic intends to replace its ageing Mi-24 helicopters with either the UH-60M or the UH-1Y/AH-1Z.

The helicopters will be used to modernise its armed forces and strengthen homeland defence, contributing to the military’s goal of updating its capabilities while improving interoperability with the US and Nato allies.

Bell Helicopter, Texas, and General Electric, Massachusetts, will be the principal contractors.

Implementation of the proposed sale will require US Government and contractor representatives to participate in the programme and technical reviews, as well as training and maintenance support for 24 months.

Furthermore, three contractor representatives will stay in the country for two years to support the programme.