Paris Air Show – 16 June 2025 — Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. [NYSE: TXT] company, has announced the signing of a fleet purchase agreement with the Tunisian Air Force for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters. Unveiled at the Paris Air Show 2025, this agreement marks a historic milestone as the first order of the Bell 412EPX variant in Africa.
The new aircraft will enhance Tunisia’s multi-role military and security operations, significantly expanding its existing rotary wing fleet of 39 Bell helicopters, which includes the Bell UH-1, 205, and OH-58 platforms.
“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, and we’re thrilled to bring it to the Middle East and Africa region with the Tunisian Air Force.”
Globally recognised for its adaptability and mission-readiness, the Bell 412 is deployed in a wide variety of military and parapublic operations. More than 54% of the global Bell 412 fleet serves in these critical roles. Recent additions to the 412EPX customer list include the Japan Coast Guard, San Diego Fire and Rescue, Croatia Ministry of Interior, and the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Interior.
The SUBARU Bell 412EPX features an enhanced payload and mission capacity with a maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs, external weight of 13,000 lbs, and a cargo hook capacity of 5,000 lbs. Its useful load of 5,385 lbs enables high-performance across diverse operational demands.
This strategic acquisition underscores the Tunisian Air Force’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its defence and rescue capabilities, while reinforcing Bell’s position as a leader in military and civil rotary-wing platforms.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: BELL TEXTRON
