Czech Republic to Modernize AH-1Z, UH-1Y Helicopters for $650M

The U.S. State Department has approved the Czech Republic’s request to modernize its fleet of AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters for an estimated value of up to $650 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of the Czech Republic has requested to buy equipment and services to refurbish six AH-1Z and two UH-1Y Excess Defense Article (EDA) helicopters. This equipment and services will include: 22 T-700 GE 401C engines (16 installed, 6 spares); 14 Honeywell Embedded Global Positioning System Inertial Navigation Systems (EGIs) w/Precise Positioning Service (PPS) (8 installed, 6 spares); 4 M240 machine guns; 24 ARC-210 COMSEC radios; communication equipment; electronic warfare systems; and related equipment and support.

The principal contractors will be Bell Helicopter, Textron, Fort Worth, TX, and General Electric Company, Lynn, MA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.