The United States has agreed to sell 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to Slovakia, in a deal valued at approximately $600 million.
Helicopters Rockets, Engines and More
According to Tech this sale marks a significant enhancement of Slovakia's military capabilities, with the delivery also including additional equipment such as over 1,600 APKWS guided rockets.
After months of negotiations aimed at reducing the cost, the agreement was finalized, enabling Slovakia to purchase these advanced helicopters. The contract encompasses more than just the helicopters; it includes 26 T-700 GE 401C engines, 1,680 APKWS rockets, 20mm ammunition, helmets, and other electronic components.
Moreover, the deal covers training for Slovak crews and the establishment of necessary infrastructure for the operation and maintenance of these aircraft.
Reaches Speeds of Nearly 186 mph
The delivery of all 12 AH-1Z Vipers and the associated equipment is expected to take up to three years. Notably, the helicopters provided will not be new; they will be older models upgraded with the latest systems to enhance their operational effectiveness.
In addition to Slovakia, the Czech Republic has also shown interest in purchasing these helicopters, seeking to bolster its own military capabilities. The AH-1Z Viper, manufactured by Bell Helicopter, is a modernized version of the older AH-1W. Developed for the United States Marine Corps, the Viper first flew in December 2000.
It is powered by two General Electric T-700 GE 401C engines, allowing it to reach speeds of nearly 300 km/h (186 mph) and operate at altitudes exceeding 6 km. The helicopter can carry a variety of armaments, including the M-197 20mm cannon, Hydra 70 rockets, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.
