On August 17, the first Bell UH-1Y Venom helicopter was delivered to the Czech Republic. The helicopter was transported from the United States by the U.S. Air Force C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft.
In December 2019, Prague signed a contract for 12 Bell helicopters: eight UH-1Y Venom and four AH-1Z Viper. The deal was valued at USD 629 million, making it the largest defence procurement contract ever signed with the United States in the history of the Czech Republic. The contract also covers a package of simulators, weapon systems, and logistics support. The contract is expected to be concluded by 2024.
Additionally, the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic will receive an additional eight helicopters (two UH-1Y Venom and six AH-1Z Viper) from the United States under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) programme. This is compensation for military equipment that Prague transferred to Ukraine after February 24, 2022.
In July of this year, American company Bell secured a contract with the Czech Republic to support the fleet of U.S.-made helicopters until July 2025. This agreement is valued at USD 22.5 million.
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