United States Navy to provide nine combat helicopters to Pakistan

In a statement on Monday, the United States Department of Defence revealed that they had awarded a $170 million contract to Bell Helicopter to manufacture nine  AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters that will be provided to Pakistan. The contract is expected to be completed by September 2018.

The Bell AH-1Z Viper is a twin-engine attack helicopter based on the previous AH-1W SuperCobra model. It had been previously developed for the use of the United States Marine Corps. With a range of 426 miles (610 km) and a top speed of 255 miles per hour (420 km per hour), it is an impressive combat helicopter which will strengthen Pakistan’s aerial defence strength.

Last April, the United States Department of Defence had approved a possible deal which would have provided Pakistan with 15  AH-1Z Vipers along with Hellfire missiles and support amounting to $952 million.

Bell is also interested in selling their  AH-1Z helicopters to Poland and Czech Republic.