Bell Signs Fleet Purchase Agreement for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPX Aircraft to the Tunisian Air Force

Bell Textron Inc. has signed a purchase agreement with the Tunisian Air Force for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters, marking the first order for this Bell 412 variant in Africa, the company announced Monday at the Paris Air Show 2025.

The aircraft will be deployed for multi-role military and security missions, expanding Tunisia’s existing rotary wing fleet of 39 Bell aircraft, which includes Bell UH-1s, 205s and OH-58s.

“The Bell 412 is one of the most trusted platforms globally, and we are honoured to support the Tunisian Air Force as it expands its fleet with this proven and versatile aircraft. The SUBARU Bell 412EPX has been gaining momentum as an international military platform, we’re thrilled to bring it to the Middle East and Africa region with the Tunisian Air Force.”

Tim Evans, Managing Director for Middle East and Africa, Bell

The deal represents the latest expansion of Bell’s 412 platform into military and parapublic operations globally. More than 54% of the global Bell 412 fleet currently performs parapublic and military missions, according to the company.

Recent Bell 412 customers include the Japan Coast Guard, San Diego Fire and Rescue, Croatia Ministry of Interior, and Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Interior.

The SUBARU Bell 412EPX features a maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs, external weight of 13,000 lbs and cargo hook capacity of 5,000 lbs. The platform enables critical missions with a useful load of 5,385 lbs. The Bell 412 is recognised globally for its adaptability and reliability across a broad range of missions.

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Bell Completes Delivery of 40 Bell 505s to the Republic of Korea Armed Forces

Bell Textron Inc. has completed delivery of 40 Bell 505 helicopters to the Republic of Korea Army and Republic of Korea Navy, fulfilling contract requirements established with the country’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration in May 2022.

“Bell has successfully met an aggressive timeline for delivering the cutting-edge Bell 505 training platform to the ROKA and ROKN in the aftermath of supply chain disruptions caused by covid-19. With a fleet of 40 Bell 505 aircraft and eight simulators, complemented by a comprehensive aftermarket support program, Bell remains committed to collaborating with DAPA and the ROK Armed Forces to ensure operational readiness with their Bell 505 fleet.”

David Sale, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Bell

The delivery adds South Korea to a growing list of government agencies worldwide that utilize the Bell 505 as a rotary wing trainer. Other military operators include the Indonesian Navy, Jamaican Air Force, Japan Coast Guard, Armed Forces of Montenegro, Iraqi Army Aviation Command and the Royal Jordanian Air Force.

The Bell 505 features advanced technology, including a Safran Arrius 2R engine, dual-channel FADEC, and Garmin G1000H NXi avionics suite, positioning it as one of the most technologically advanced platforms in its class. The aircraft’s design incorporates an open cabin layout, glass cockpit, wraparound windows, and Synthetic Vision technology to enhance pilot situational awareness.

Since its introduction in 2017, more than 500 Bell 505 aircraft have been delivered globally, accumulating over 100,000 flight hours in service.

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Photo credits: Bell Textron Inc.