In a significant development for African military aviation, Bell Textron announced on 16 June 2025 the sale of twelve Subaru Bell 412EPX utility helicopters to the Tunisian Air Force (Al Quawwat al-Jawwiya At’Tunisia).
The deal was unveiled at the Paris Air Show, a premier global aviation event known for hosting high-profile aircraft order announcements. This marks the first sale of the Bell 412EPX model on the African continent.Initially introduced in 2015 as the Fuji-Bell 412+, the helicopter was later renamed the Subaru Bell 412EPX. It features advanced systems including a fully digital glass cockpit, Garmin touchscreen navigation, and electronically controlled Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-9 engines.
For Tunisia, the acquisition represents a strategic enhancement of its rotary-wing capabilities. The air force already operates a range of Bell helicopters, including the AB205, AB412, OH-58D, and Bell 429. The new 412EPX units will support a variety of defense and security missions.
