The Tunisian Air Force has signed a purchase agreement for 12 Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopters, marking Bell Textron’s first African sale of this multi-role aircraft variant.
Unveiled at the 2025 Paris Air Show, the deal supports Tunisia’s mission readiness across operations spanning surveillance to counterterrorism. It also expands the country’s rotary-wing fleet, which already includes 39 Bell aircraft such as UH-1s, 205s, and OH-58s.
“We are honored to support the Tunisian Air Force as it expands its fleet with this proven and versatile aircraft,” said Tim Evans, Bell’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa.
The Bell 412 is in service in several countries, including Croatia, Japan, and the US.
Bell Helicopter
The North African country selected the Bell 412EPX over offers from Airbus and Leonardo to modernize its air defense capabilities and maintain internal security, particularly against terrorism and smuggling.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney twin engines, the US-made helicopter has a top cruising speed of 123 knots (228 kilometers/142 miles per hour) and a maximum range of 361 nautical miles (415 miles/669 kilometers) when flying at Very Long Range Cruise speed.
It has an operational endurance of around 4 hours and can accommodate 14 passengers plus the pilot.
The multi-mission chopper features an internal weight capacity of 12,200 pounds (5,534 kilograms) and an external weight of 13,000 pounds (5,897 kilograms), with a 5,000-pound (2,268 kilograms) cargo hook capacity.
