Tunisia strengthens air force with purchase of 12 Bell 412EPX helicopters at Paris air show

Tunisia has taken a significant step to bolster its military capabilities by signing a contract to acquire 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters, announced during the 2025 Paris Air Show.

This acquisition highlights a deepening security cooperation between Tunisia and the United States amid mounting regional challenges.

Bell Textron Inc., a subsidiary of the American group Textron, confirmed in a statement to APA that this order marks the first deployment of the Bell 412EPX model on the African continent.

The helicopters are set to serve a variety of military and security roles, enhancing Tunisia’s operational flexibility across diverse mission profiles.

The Tunisian Air Force already operates a fleet of 39 Bell helicopters, including UH-1s, 205s, and OH-58 models, underscoring a long-standing partnership with the manufacturer.

The addition of the Bell 412EPX, with its notable payload capacity of 2,443 kilograms, represents a substantial upgrade in terms of reliability and versatility.

Tim Evans, Bell’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, expressed optimism about the acquisition, emphasizing the helicopter’s proven performance in countries such as Japan, the United States, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The deal reflects Tunisia’s strategic intent to modernize its armed forces and respond effectively to evolving security dynamics in North Africa and the wider Sahel region.

The Bell 412EPX’s multi-mission capability will be critical in addressing both conventional and asymmetric threats while supporting humanitarian and peacekeeping operations.

As Tunisia continues to navigate complex regional security landscapes, the enhanced rotary-wing fleet will play a pivotal role in ensuring national defense and regional stability.