Tunisia buys 12 new Bell helicopters
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, announced at the Paris Air Show the signing of a purchase agreement with the Tunisian Air Force for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters.
This order marks the first acquisition of the 412EPX variant in the Middle East and Africa.
The new rotorcraft will support Tunisia’s multi-role military and security missions, expanding a rotary-wing fleet that already includes 39 Bell helicopters—namely UH-1s, 205s, and OH-58s.
“The Bell 412 is one of the most trusted platforms globally, and we are honored to support the Tunisian Air Force as it expands its fleet with this proven and versatile aircraft,” said Tim Evans, Managing Director for Middle East and Africa at Bell. “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.”
The SUBARU Bell 412EPX is designed for high utility and rugged operational conditions. The aircraft features a maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs, external weight of 13,000 lbs, and a cargo hook capacity of 5,000 lbs. The useful load capacity reaches 5,385 lbs, allowing for the transport of personnel and mission-critical equipment across diverse environments.
According to Bell, the 412EPX offers improved durability and enhanced safety features over previous models, with a wide cabin and reinforced airframe designed to handle demanding mission profiles. More than 54% of the global Bell 412 fleet is currently engaged in military and parapublic operations.
The Tunisian order follows recent international deliveries of the 412EPX variant to the Japan Coast Guard, Croatia’s Ministry of Interior, and multiple emergency services agencies including San Diego Fire and Rescue.
The platform is jointly developed by Bell Textron and Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries).
The Tunisian Air Force is expected to begin receiving the new helicopters in a phased delivery plan starting next year.