Slovakia has finalized a deal with the United States to buy 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters.
The contract is worth $600 million and includes additional military equipment, signaling a major investment in Slovakia's defense.
The agreement has been in negotiation for several months.
Besides the helicopters, Slovakia will acquire 26 T-700 GE 401C engines, over 1,600 APKWS unguided surface-to-air missiles, 20 mm ammunition, helmets, and various electronic systems.
According to Tech WP, the deal also includes training for Slovak crews and ground personnel, as well as the development of necessary infrastructure to support the new equipment.
The helicopters and other equipment are expected to be delivered over the next three years.
However, the AH-1Z Vipers that Slovakia will receive are not new. They will be modernized versions of older models with upgraded systems to enhance their performance.
The AH-1Z Viper, built by Bell Helicopter, is a powerful attack helicopter with a history going back to the late 1990s.
Initially developed as an upgrade to the older AH-1W for the United States Marine Corps, the Viper is powered by two General Electric T-700 GE 401C engines. It can reach speeds of nearly 300 km/h, operate at altitudes over 6 km, and has a range of almost 600 km on a full tank.
The Viper's offensive capabilities are impressive.
It features a 20 mm M-197 cannon and six weapon stations that can carry various missiles, including Hydra 70 rockets, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles for destroying armored targets.
This acquisition shows Slovakia's commitment to boosting its military strength amid growing regional security concerns. Neighboring countries like the Czech Republic are also reportedly interested in similar purchases.
