Bahrain sees start of its Viper production programme

The VIP tour group included Brigadier General Faisal Al Kaabi, Bahrain Ambassador to the US; H.E. Sheikh Abdulla Al Khalifa, bell executive vice president military business; - Vince Tobin, Bell vice president; H-1 program director - Michael Deslatte, and Bahrain Defense Attaché to U.S. - Commodore Admiral Jasim Al Jowder
to mark the start of production of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters built as part of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Delegates toured the Bell Amarillo production facility to observe the production line and ceremoniously signed the first aircraft’s frame destined to join the Bahrain Air Force.

“We are honored to host the Kingdom of Bahrain and share this milestone in production for the AH-1Z,” said Deslatte. “Today’s ceremony marks a new milestone in bringing the advanced capabilities of the Viper a step closer to the Kingdom of Bahrain.”

Bell designed the AH-1Z Viper to meet the modern battlefield’s expeditionary requirements across the full spectrum of military operations. The Viper routinely maintains a high operational tempo from forward operating facilities by minimizing its logistical footprint without losing warfighting capabilities.

The US Department of Defense awarded Bell a contract to manufacture and deliver 12 Lot-16 AH-1Z aircraft to the Kingdom of Bahrain under the foreign military sales programme.
First deliveries are expected to begin in late-2021.

Viper viewing - Brigadier General Faisal Al Kaabi, Bahrain Ambassador to U.S. - H.E. Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa, Bell Executive Vice President Military Business - Vince Tobin, Bell Vice President and H-1 Program Director - Michael Deslatte, and Bahrain Defense Attaché to U.S. - Commodore Admiral Jasim Al Jowder visited the Bell’s Amarillo assembly center on 31 March 2021 and signed the frame of the first Bahrain production AH-1Z Viper.  (Images Bell)