Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Abundance: How We Build a Better Future’
Trouble in Your Tank: In Complex Systems, Design Rules Aren’t Optional
It’s Only Common Sense: The Phone Is Still Your Competitive Advantage
Czech Republic Acquires Mixed Fleet of AH-1Z and UH-1Y Helicopters
December 13, 2019 | Bell FlightEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, and Czech Republic Minister of Defence, Lubomir Metnar, signed a letter of offer and acceptance finalizing the foreign military sale by Bell Textron of H-1 helicopters to the Czech Air Force.
“We are privileged to support the Czech people and applaud the Ministry of Defence and armed forces of the Czech Republic for selecting AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters,” said Vince Tobin, Executive Vice President of Bell’s military business.
The H-1 mixed fleet shares 85% commonality between parts, reducing the logistics, maintenance, and training costs of the AH-1Z and UY-1Y helicopters while offering a lethal combination of integrated weapons systems to counter ground, air, and maritime targets effectively. The AH-1Z is the only helicopter in production equipped with the AIM-9 Sidewinder providing the most advanced air-to-air combat capabilities.
“This mix allows the Czech Republic to accomplish a diverse mission set, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to close air support and air-to-air warfare,” said Joel Best, Director of Military Sales and Strategy, Europe. “The advanced capabilities of the H-1 program help ensure the safety and security of Czech sons and daughters for years to come.”
The purchase of four AH-1Z and eight UH-1Y military helicopters represents the first foreign military sale of a mixed H-1 fleet. Bell anticipates the delivery of the first H-1 aircraft to the Czech Republic will begin in 2023 and complete delivery by 2024.
Share on:
Subscribe
Stay ahead of the technologies shaping the future of electronics with our latest newsletter, Advanced Electronics Packaging Digest. Get expert insights on advanced packaging, materials, and system-level innovation, delivered straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now to stay informed, competitive, and connected.
Suggested Items
The Right Approach: The End of an Era—DoD Proposes MIL-PRF-31032 Cancellation
04/21/2026 | Steve Williams -- Column: The Right ApproachThe Defense Logistics Agency has initiated formal proceedings to cancel the military's primary performance specification for printed circuit boards, a move that could reshape how the U.S. defense industrial base qualifies and sources one of its most critical electronic components. On March 4, 2026, DLA Weapons Support issued a memorandum to military and industry coordination activities announcing that MIL-PRF-31032, along with its six associated specification sheets, has been proposed for cancellation. A 30-day comment period was allotted, with concurrence or comments due by April 3, 2026.
Northrop Grumman Delivers GPS-Jamming-Resistant Airborne Navigation System
04/20/2026 | Northrop GrummanNorthrop Grumman delivered the first production unit of the EGI-M navigation system, designed to provide military users with accurate positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) data.
Lockheed Martin Wins $105M U.S. Space Force Contract for GPS Ground Control Upgrade
04/20/2026 | Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin has been awarded a contract worth up to $105 million by the U.S. Space Force to continue modernizing and sustaining the Global Positioning System (GPS) ground control network.
EMI Promotes David Vue to Lead Military and Aerospace Division
03/31/2026 | Express Manufacturing Inc.Express Manufacturing, Inc. (EMI), a global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider, announced the promotion of David Vue to Military and Aerospace Division Manager.
Mobix Labs Secures Significant U.S. Navy Tomahawk Missile Component Order as Production Accelerates
03/04/2026 | BUSINESS WIREMobix Labs, Inc., a provider of 5G mmWave, defense, and aerospace components, today announced receipt of a significant production purchase order for components used in the U.S. Navy’s Tomahawk cruise missile program.