First Viper attack helicopter for Czech Army produced in US

The first of four Viper AH-1Z attack helicopters that are to be used by the Czech Army has been manufactured in the United States, the Ministry of Defence announced on its website on Monday. An official handover ceremony was held in Amarillo, Texas, with Czech defence officials present to mark the occasion.

In total, Czechia is set to acquire eight multipurpose UH-1Y Venom helicopters and four AH-1Z Vipers from the US as part of its air force modernisation effort. A further six Vipers and two Venoms will be gifted to the Czech Army by the US to compensate for the equipment Czechia has sent to aid Ukraine.

The Vipers are expected to replace Czechia’s ageing Mi 24V/35s, with the first machines set to arrive in the spring.