Production of 12 Nigeria AH-1Z helicopters has started in Texas, with Bell aiming to finish the $997 million package in early 2029

Bell Textron has begun production of 12 Nigeria AH-1Z helicopters at its assembly centre in Amarillo, Texas, after hosting a Nigerian Air Force delegation on 16 September 2026, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, spokesman for the service, and Bell both confirmed.

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The visit included a tour of the line and a ceremony to sign the frame of the first Viper being built for Nigeria.

The Nigerian party was led by Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame represented the air force at the event.

He said the aircraft would support operations against terrorism and insurgency and help protect civilians.

“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,” he said. “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.”

Bell described the Viper as a multi mission attack helicopter designed to keep a relatively small logistical footprint.

The programme dates back to April 2022, when the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency told Congress that the State Department had approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Nigeria worth $997 million. The notice covered 12 AH-1Z helicopters, spare engines, support and training.

Bell later received a contract to manufacture and deliver the 12 aircraft, with engineering, programme management and logistics support. The company said production of the Nigerian batch should be finished in early 2029.

The latest ceremony follows a programme review in January, when Air Marshal Sunday Aneke met US officials and Bell staff in San Diego to check timelines, oversight and budget compliance.

The air force presents the purchase as part of a wider effort to modernise its fleet while operations against armed groups continue.

The United States has previously supplied Nigeria with aircraft, training and other security assistance.

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Delivery still depends on the rest of the manufacturing, testing and handover process. With work now under way in Texas, the first airframe for Nigeria has at least moved from paper onto the factory floor.