Bell Begins Production Of AH-1Z Viper Helicopters For Nigerian Air Force

Bell Begins Production of AH-1Z Viper Helicopters for Nigerian Air Force Bell Textron has commenced production of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for the Nigerian Air Force under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, marking a new stage in Nigeria’s acquisition of the US-made combat aircraft. The development was announced after a Nigerian Air Force delegation visited Bell’s production facility in Amarillo, Texas, where officials toured the production line and participated in a ceremony marking the first aircraft being built for Nigeria. Bell hosted the Nigerian delegation on September 16, 2026, to commemorate the start of production. During the visit, Nigerian representatives toured the Amarillo facility and ceremonially signed the frame of the first AH-1Z Viper destined for service with the Nigerian Air Force. Bell’s H-1 programme director, Scott Sims, said the company was honoured to host the Nigerian Air Force and mark the production milestone. The United States has awarded Bell a contract to manufacture and deliver 12 AH-1Z Viper helicopters to Nigeria from its Amarillo Assembly Center. The contract also includes engineering, programme management and logistics support. Bell currently projects that production of the aircraft will be completed in early 2029. The acquisition is being carried out through the Foreign Military Sales programme approved in 2024. Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the helicopters would contribute to the country’s counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations. He said the service was looking forward to the induction of the Viper as a key platform in Nigeria’s attack-helicopter fleet. The AH-1Z is designed to operate with both precision-guided and unguided weapons and is built for operations from forward facilities while maintaining a relatively limited logistical footprint, according to Bell. The Viper acquisition adds another attack-helicopter type to the Nigerian Air Force’s expanding fleet as the service continues to strengthen its capabilities for security operations. The Nigerian Air Force already operates several types of combat and attack aircraft, while the new AH-1Zs are expected to provide an additional rotary-wing platform for missions requiring close support and precision engagement. With production now underway, the Nigerian Air Force is expected to receive the aircraft after the manufacturing, support and associated programme requirements are completed.