18 September 2026

Bell Commemorates First Production AH-1Z Aircraft for Nigeria

Bell has marked the start of production of the first AH-1Z Viper for the Nigerian Air Force with a beam signing at Amarillo, Texas, under an FMS contract for 12 aircraft due to be completed in early 2029.

Nigerian Air Force delegation, United States Marine Corps officers and Bell staff in front of the first production AH-1Z Viper airframe for Nigeria at Bell's Amarillo facility. — The Nigerian delegation and Bell team in front of the first production AH-1Z Viper for Nigeria at Amarillo, Texas. [Bell]

Edited by:

African Pilot Newsdesk

Why this article matters
The beam signing marks the start of production of the Nigerian Air Force’s AH-1Z Vipers, the first of 12 aircraft Bell is contracted to build and deliver from Amarillo under the Foreign Military Sales programme approved in 2024. The contract also covers engineering, programme management and logistics support.

The NAF says it intends to use the Viper in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations as a key platform in its attack helicopter fleet. With Bell projecting production to be completed in early 2029, the programme will be measured by whether aircraft and support arrive on that timetable for induction into service.

Of Interest
Bell has started production of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for Nigeria at its Amarillo Assembly Center in Texas.

The aircraft are being built under a Foreign Military Sales programme approved in 2024.

The contract covers 12 AH-1Z Viper aircraft for the Nigerian Air Force.

Bell will also provide engineering, programme management and logistics support.

A Nigerian delegation signed the frame of the first production Viper for Nigeria during a visit to Amarillo.

Bell projects production of the aircraft to be completed in early 2029.

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, recently hosted a delegation from the country of Nigeria to mark the start of production of the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters built as part of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme approved by the Department of War in 2024. Delegates toured Bell’s Amarillo production facility to observe the production line and ceremoniously sign the aircraft’s frame destined to join the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Nigerian Air Force officer signing the beam of the first production AH-1Z Viper for Nigeria. — A Nigerian official signs the beam of the first production AH-1Z Viper for Nigeria. © Bell

“We are honored to host the Nigerian Air Force and share this milestone in production for the AH-1Z,” said Scott Sims, H-1 program director, Bell. “The beam of the first production Viper for Nigeria will forever carry the names, hopes, and commitment of those who brought this aircraft to life.”

Nigerian Air Force officer flanked by a United States Marine Corps officer and a Bell representative in front of the AH-1Z Viper airframe. — © Bell

Delivering unmatched multi-mission flexibility while employing both precision guided weapons and unguided munitions, the Bell AH-1Z Viper meets 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 minimising its logistical footprint without losing warfighting capabilities.

“The Bell AH-1Z Viper will play an important role in strengthening our counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations and enhancing our ability to protect the citizens of Nigeria,” said Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesperson. “We are pleased with the Viper’s advanced capabilities and interoperability and look forward to its induction as a key platform in our attack helicopter fleet.”

The Department of War awarded Bell a contract to manufacture and deliver 12 AH-1Z Viper aircraft to Nigeria from its Amarillo Assembly Center in Texas. Along with the aircraft, Bell will also provide associated engineering, programme management and logistics support. Bell projects the aircraft production to be completed in early 2029.

“Today also signifies the dedication of thousands of Bell and Team Viper employees around the world who are proud to support this important international partner,” said Sims.