The State Department has approved Zambia’s request for Bell 412 Enhanced Performance Exportable Medium-Lift Transport Helicopters and related items valued at an estimated $100 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Monday it has notified Congress of the potential agreement with Bell Textron possibly serving as the principal contractor.
Zambia’s Foreign Military Sale Request
Under the potential foreign military sale, the U.S. will provide Zambia with Bell 412 enhanced performance exportable medium-lift transport helicopters, radio communication and navigation systems and weather radar and transponder capabilities. The African nation also requested to purchase qualification and transition training for pilots and maintainers, in-country contractor field service representatives support, program management reviews, technical assistance and product support, associated aviation ground support equipment and peculiar ground support equipment.
The proposed FMS additionally covers hardware, special tools, test equipment, basic issue items, quality assurance team inspections, inventories, validations and ground run and flight test verification testing and air freight transportation delivery. Furthermore, Zambia asked to buy initial spare, repair and consumable parts, operator, maintenance and technical manuals, technical and logistics support services and other related elements of logistics and program support.
With the possible deal, Zambia intends to strengthen regional and national security while addressing political stability and economic growth in South Central Africa. The FMS is also meant to boost the country’s peacekeeping and disaster response capabilities while enabling humanitarian aid missions in challenging conditions and locations.
Funds for the potential project will be allocated from foreign military financing and Zambian national funds.
