The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Zambia of Bell 412 Enhanced Performance Exportable Medium-Lift Transport Helicopters and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $100 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Republic of Zambia has requested to buy Bell 412 Enhanced Performance exportable medium-lift transport helicopters; radio communication and navigation systems; weather radar and transponder capabilities; qualification and transition training for pilots and maintainers; in-country Contractor Field Service Representatives support; Program Management Reviews; technical assistance and product support; associated aviation ground support equipment; peculiar ground support equipment; hardware; special tools; test equipment; basic issue items; Quality Assurance Team inspections, inventories, validations, and ground run and flight test verification testing; air freight transportation delivery; initial spare, repair, and consumable parts; operator, maintenance, and technical manuals; technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $100 million, to be funded by a combination of Foreign Military Financing and Zambian national funds.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important partner that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in South Central Africa.

The proposed sale will improve Zambia’s capability to conduct peacekeeping and regional security, disaster response, and humanitarian aid missions over long distances and in non-standard weather conditions. Zambia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Bell Textron, located in Fort Worth, TX. The purchaser typically requires offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Zambia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

DSCA release