Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announces today, at the Paris Air Show 2025, a signed purchase agreement for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EPXs to the Tunisian Air Force, marking the first order for this Bell 412 variant in region. The aircraft will be used for multi-role military and security missThe Bell 412 is globally recognized for its adaptability and reliability, enabling operators to undertake a broad range of missions. To date, more than 54% of the global Bell 412 fleet performs parapublic and military missions. This sale builds on recent entries of the Bell 412 to the Japan Coast Guard, San Diego Fire and Rescue, Croatia Ministry of Interior, Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Interior and more.ions. The Tunisian military expands its rotary wing fleet of 39 Bell aircraft, including Bell UH-1s, 205s and OH-58s.
“The Bell 412 is one of the most trusted platforms globally, and we are honored to support the Tunisian Air Force as it expands its fleet with this proven and versatile aircraft,” said Tim Evans, Managing Director for Middle East and Africa, Bell. “The SUBARU Bell 412EPX has been gaining momentum as an international military platform, we’re thrilled to bring it to the Middle East and Africa region with the Tunisian Air Force.”
In 2015, Bell’s long-term partner, SUBARU (formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries), was awarded the contract for the Japan UH-X program to replace Japan Ground Self Defence Force’s (JGSDF) current fleet of UH-1J aircraft with a militarized derivative of the SUBARU BELL 412EPX, which will enable the JGSDF to protect and save lives across its challenging topography, while addressing Japan’s unique requirements. The SUBARU BELL 412EPX is designed for enhanced performance and safety while maintaining its reputation for utility and reliability. It features a more robust main rotor gearbox, dry run capability, increased internal and external gross weights (12,200 lbs and 13,000 lbs respectively), and +11% mast torque output below 60 knots. These improvements allow for greater operational efficiency and the ability to transport more supplies.
Bell Textron Inc. is an American aerospace manufacturer headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. A subsidiary of Textron, Bell manufactures military rotorcraft at facilities in Fort Worth, and Amarillo, Texas, United States as well as commercial helicopters in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada. The company was founded on July 10, 1935, as Bell Aircraft Corporation by Lawrence Dale Bell in Buffalo, New York. The company focused on the designing and building of fighter aircraft. Textron purchased Bell Aerospace in 1960. In January 1976, Textron changed the division’s name to Bell Helicopter Textron. The company was rebranded as “Bell” on February 22, 2018 Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems.
