News Release

Bell hosts beam signing ceremony marking international aircraft production milestone

Amarillo, Texas (Sept. 16, 2026) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, hosted a delegation from the country of Nigeria to mark the start of production of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters built as part of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program approved by the Department of War in 2024. Delegates toured Bell’s Amarillo production facility to observe the production line and ceremoniously sign the aircraft’s frame destined to join the Nigerian Air Force.

“We are honored to host the Nigerian Air Force and share this milestone in production for the AH-1Z,” said Scott Sims, H-1 program director, Bell. “The beam of the first production Viper for Nigeria will forever carry the names, hopes, and commitment of those who brought this aircraft to life.”

Delivering unmatched multi-mission flexibility while employing both precision guided weapons and unguided munitions, the Bell AH-1Z Viper meets the modern battlefield’s expeditionary requirements across the full spectrum of military operations. The Viper routinely maintains a high operational tempo from forward operating facilities by minimizing its logistical footprint without losing warfighting capabilities.

“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,” said Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesperson. “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.”

The Department of War awarded Bell a contract to manufacture and deliver 12 AH-1Z Viper aircraft to Nigeria from its Amarillo Assembly Center in Texas. Along with the aircraft, Bell will also provide associated engineering, program management, and logistics support. Bell projects the aircraft production to be completed in early 2029.

“Today also signifies the dedication of thousands of Bell and Team Viper employees around the world who are proud to support this important international partner,” said Sims.

Press Contact
Wesley Bates
Bell Textron
M: (817) 239-5767
mediarelations@bellflight.com
Bell Newsroom

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ABOUT BELL 

Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 90 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us.

We're an aerospace and defense company that engineers and manufactures aircraft for critical solutions in extreme scenarios. We're breaking barriers in lifting people to safety across transportation, medical, rescue and military services, and leading the industry in future solutions that are fast, reliable, and efficient.

Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with generations of employees who have served, many in combat theatre of operation, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours. Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.   

ABOUT TEXTRON INC. 

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. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.

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