The United States government has approved the sale of Bell 412 twin-engine military utility helicopters to the Republic of Zambia for an approximate value of $100 million, as part of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. This acquisition responds to the African country's need to strengthen its operational capabilities in areas such as peacekeeping, regional security, as well as humanitarian and emergency management missions. The package includes not only the helicopters, but also a comprehensive training program for pilots and technicians, as well as ground support equipment and on-site technical assistance, thus ensuring effective integration of the assets into Zambia's military operations.

The funds for this transaction will be covered by both international defense funding and Zambia's national budget, thanks to the certification notified to Congress by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which on January 13 notified its favorable opinion on the potential sale. Bell, based in Fort Worth, Texas, will be the primary contractor in this agreement, further strengthening the military and security cooperation ties between America and Zambia. The DSCA emphasized in a note also dated January 13, the importance of the agreement as an element of support for political stability and economic progress in Central and Southern Africa.

The Zambian Air Force already operates a fleet of eight Bell 412 helicopters, recently upgraded to include two of the same model, the 2EP variant, as part of a financing agreement with the US signed in September 2023, which also included a three-year maintenance and training package.