Tunisia purchases 12 US Subaru Bell 412EPX multirole helicopters to improve combat and rescue missions
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On June 16, 2025, during the Paris Air Show, the US company Bell Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., announced the signing of a purchase agreement with the Tunisian Air Force for 12 Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopters. This agreement marks the first confirmed order of the 412EPX variant in the Middle East and Africa. The helicopters are intended for multi-role military and security missions. The acquisition adds to Tunisia’s existing rotary-wing fleet of 39 Bell aircraft, which includes UH-1s, Bell 205s, and OH-58Ds.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Subaru Bell 412EPX is the latest variant in the Bell 412 series and was co-developed by Bell and the Japanese Subaru Corporation, formerly Fuji Heavy Industries, to meet the requirements of the Japanese Ministry of Defense. (Picture source: Bell)
Separately, the Tunisian National Guard operates Bell 429 helicopters. According to open sources, the Tunisian Air Force helicopter inventory includes 21 Bell 205s, 16 UH-1Ns, 18 OH-58Ds, and six AB412s, in addition to platforms such as the HH-3, SA341, SA342, AS350B, and UH-60M. Bell Textron reportedly secured the contract in competition with Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo Helicopters.
The Subaru Bell 412EPX is the latest variant in the Bell 412 series and was co-developed by Bell and the Japanese Subaru Corporation, formerly Fuji Heavy Industries. The program was originally launched to meet the requirements of the Japanese Ministry of Defense for the UH-X program, intended to replace the UH-1J in service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The civil version was designated as 412EPX, with the military version named UH-2.
The prototype was delivered to the Japanese Ministry of Defense in February 2019, and serial production for the JGSDF began in 2022. SUBARU and Bell began formal collaboration on the EPX in 2018. The helicopter integrates proprietary Japanese laser peening technology into the mast hub, improving gearbox performance. It offers 11% higher torque output compared to the 412EPI and includes a dry-run transmission capability rated at 30 minutes under FAR Part 29 safety standards. SUBARU has been supporting and maintaining Bell aircraft in Japan since the 1960s, with over 400 helicopters delivered under license, including models such as the 204B, 205B, UH-1J, and AH-1S.
The 412EPX is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-9 Twin Pac® engines, each rated at 1,122 horsepower for takeoff. This configuration increases takeoff performance and enhances high-altitude operation. The helicopter has a maximum internal gross weight of 12,200 pounds (5,535 kg) and an external gross weight of 13,000 pounds (5,897 kg). It can transport a useful internal load of 5,385 pounds (2,443 kg) or an external load of 6,185 pounds (2,805 kg), using a 5,000-pound (2,268 kg) cargo hook. At maximum gross weight, the aircraft reaches a cruise speed of 123 knots (228 km/h), with a range of 361 nautical miles (669 km) and a maximum endurance of 3.8 hours. The helicopter accommodates a pilot and up to 14 passengers. It has a cabin volume of 6.2 m³ and 0.8 m³ of baggage compartment space. Fuel capacity includes 1,251 liters in standard tanks, with options to carry up to 617 liters more in auxiliary tanks.
The avionics system on the EPX features the Bell BasiX-Pro integrated glass cockpit, with four large multifunction high-definition displays that support digital navigation and communication systems, reducing pilot workload and improving situational data integration. A proprietary Power Situation Indicator (PSI) provides a unified display of torque, gas generator speed (Ng), or measured gas temperature (MGT), depending on which operational limit is first reached. The cockpit layout includes Garmin GTN 750 and GTN 650 touchscreen units. The aircraft retains a wide use of manual switches, including circuit breakers, toggle switches for flight systems, and environmental controls. The Honeywell SPZ-7600 three-axis automatic flight control system is standard. The BLR Aerospace Fast-Fin tail rotor enhancement is also installed on the EPX, improving tail rotor effectiveness during hover at density altitudes up to 14,000 feet. The helicopter also supports Category A takeoff configurations by allowing the power turbine speed to be manually increased to 103% prior to takeoff.
Operationally, more than 54% of Bell 412 helicopters worldwide are in para-public or military use. The EPX variant is already in service with multiple agencies. The Japan National Police Agency placed the first-ever order for the model in 2019. Four units were transferred to Somalia by the Italian government in August 2024 in a $16 million delivery following the lifting of the UN arms embargo. These helicopters are used by Somali forces in troop transport, medical evacuation, and search and rescue roles, amid the ongoing transition of security responsibilities from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Bell 412EPX units are also operated by the Japan Coast Guard, San Diego Fire and Rescue Department, and the Ministries of Interior of Croatia and Sarajevo Canton. Globally, over 1,300 Bell 412 helicopters across all variants have been delivered, with more than seven million flight hours accumulated. The type has been license-produced in Canada, Italy (as the Agusta-Bell AB412), Indonesia, and Japan, and has seen widespread military adoption in over 40 countries.
In addition to civil and governmental roles, the Bell 412 has been adapted into multiple military configurations, such as the CH-146 Griffon in Canada and the Griffin series in the United Kingdom. Previous versions included the 412SP with increased fuel capacity, the 412HP with improved transmission, and the 412EPI with PT6T-9 engines and glass cockpit. The EPX increases internal gross weight by 300 pounds over the EPI and offers improvements in metallurgy and transmission gear geometry that allow continuous operation at maximum torque. This allows operators to carry heavier loads without time limits previously imposed by torque restrictions. The EPX is capable of OEI (one engine inoperative) operations and hovering at high altitudes, demonstrated during test flights at pressure altitudes of 7,000 feet and simulated engine failure training using the onboard software system.
Tunisia’s acquisition of 12 new 412EPX helicopters is expected to enhance its ability to conduct security missions, logistics operations, and humanitarian response across varied terrain and conditions. This procurement increases Tunisia’s capability to replace or supplement older models in its fleet and aligns with the country’s broader objectives of strengthening its airborne operational readiness. The platform’s compatibility with a wide range of mission profiles and its technical enhancements over previous variants provide Tunisia with expanded flexibility and higher payload capacity. SUBARU and Bell have confirmed that the 412EPX is now available for export markets, with ongoing deliveries and maintenance support tailored to military and civil requirements worldwide.
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On June 16, 2025, during the Paris Air Show, the US company Bell Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., announced the signing of a purchase agreement with the Tunisian Air Force for 12 Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopters. This agreement marks the first confirmed order of the 412EPX variant in the Middle East and Africa. The helicopters are intended for multi-role military and security missions. The acquisition adds to Tunisia’s existing rotary-wing fleet of 39 Bell aircraft, which includes UH-1s, Bell 205s, and OH-58Ds.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Subaru Bell 412EPX is the latest variant in the Bell 412 series and was co-developed by Bell and the Japanese Subaru Corporation, formerly Fuji Heavy Industries, to meet the requirements of the Japanese Ministry of Defense. (Picture source: Bell)
Separately, the Tunisian National Guard operates Bell 429 helicopters. According to open sources, the Tunisian Air Force helicopter inventory includes 21 Bell 205s, 16 UH-1Ns, 18 OH-58Ds, and six AB412s, in addition to platforms such as the HH-3, SA341, SA342, AS350B, and UH-60M. Bell Textron reportedly secured the contract in competition with Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo Helicopters.
The Subaru Bell 412EPX is the latest variant in the Bell 412 series and was co-developed by Bell and the Japanese Subaru Corporation, formerly Fuji Heavy Industries. The program was originally launched to meet the requirements of the Japanese Ministry of Defense for the UH-X program, intended to replace the UH-1J in service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The civil version was designated as 412EPX, with the military version named UH-2.
The prototype was delivered to the Japanese Ministry of Defense in February 2019, and serial production for the JGSDF began in 2022. SUBARU and Bell began formal collaboration on the EPX in 2018. The helicopter integrates proprietary Japanese laser peening technology into the mast hub, improving gearbox performance. It offers 11% higher torque output compared to the 412EPI and includes a dry-run transmission capability rated at 30 minutes under FAR Part 29 safety standards. SUBARU has been supporting and maintaining Bell aircraft in Japan since the 1960s, with over 400 helicopters delivered under license, including models such as the 204B, 205B, UH-1J, and AH-1S.
The 412EPX is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-9 Twin Pac® engines, each rated at 1,122 horsepower for takeoff. This configuration increases takeoff performance and enhances high-altitude operation. The helicopter has a maximum internal gross weight of 12,200 pounds (5,535 kg) and an external gross weight of 13,000 pounds (5,897 kg). It can transport a useful internal load of 5,385 pounds (2,443 kg) or an external load of 6,185 pounds (2,805 kg), using a 5,000-pound (2,268 kg) cargo hook. At maximum gross weight, the aircraft reaches a cruise speed of 123 knots (228 km/h), with a range of 361 nautical miles (669 km) and a maximum endurance of 3.8 hours. The helicopter accommodates a pilot and up to 14 passengers. It has a cabin volume of 6.2 m³ and 0.8 m³ of baggage compartment space. Fuel capacity includes 1,251 liters in standard tanks, with options to carry up to 617 liters more in auxiliary tanks.
The avionics system on the EPX features the Bell BasiX-Pro integrated glass cockpit, with four large multifunction high-definition displays that support digital navigation and communication systems, reducing pilot workload and improving situational data integration. A proprietary Power Situation Indicator (PSI) provides a unified display of torque, gas generator speed (Ng), or measured gas temperature (MGT), depending on which operational limit is first reached. The cockpit layout includes Garmin GTN 750 and GTN 650 touchscreen units. The aircraft retains a wide use of manual switches, including circuit breakers, toggle switches for flight systems, and environmental controls. The Honeywell SPZ-7600 three-axis automatic flight control system is standard. The BLR Aerospace Fast-Fin tail rotor enhancement is also installed on the EPX, improving tail rotor effectiveness during hover at density altitudes up to 14,000 feet. The helicopter also supports Category A takeoff configurations by allowing the power turbine speed to be manually increased to 103% prior to takeoff.
Operationally, more than 54% of Bell 412 helicopters worldwide are in para-public or military use. The EPX variant is already in service with multiple agencies. The Japan National Police Agency placed the first-ever order for the model in 2019. Four units were transferred to Somalia by the Italian government in August 2024 in a $16 million delivery following the lifting of the UN arms embargo. These helicopters are used by Somali forces in troop transport, medical evacuation, and search and rescue roles, amid the ongoing transition of security responsibilities from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Bell 412EPX units are also operated by the Japan Coast Guard, San Diego Fire and Rescue Department, and the Ministries of Interior of Croatia and Sarajevo Canton. Globally, over 1,300 Bell 412 helicopters across all variants have been delivered, with more than seven million flight hours accumulated. The type has been license-produced in Canada, Italy (as the Agusta-Bell AB412), Indonesia, and Japan, and has seen widespread military adoption in over 40 countries.
In addition to civil and governmental roles, the Bell 412 has been adapted into multiple military configurations, such as the CH-146 Griffon in Canada and the Griffin series in the United Kingdom. Previous versions included the 412SP with increased fuel capacity, the 412HP with improved transmission, and the 412EPI with PT6T-9 engines and glass cockpit. The EPX increases internal gross weight by 300 pounds over the EPI and offers improvements in metallurgy and transmission gear geometry that allow continuous operation at maximum torque. This allows operators to carry heavier loads without time limits previously imposed by torque restrictions. The EPX is capable of OEI (one engine inoperative) operations and hovering at high altitudes, demonstrated during test flights at pressure altitudes of 7,000 feet and simulated engine failure training using the onboard software system.
Tunisia’s acquisition of 12 new 412EPX helicopters is expected to enhance its ability to conduct security missions, logistics operations, and humanitarian response across varied terrain and conditions. This procurement increases Tunisia’s capability to replace or supplement older models in its fleet and aligns with the country’s broader objectives of strengthening its airborne operational readiness. The platform’s compatibility with a wide range of mission profiles and its technical enhancements over previous variants provide Tunisia with expanded flexibility and higher payload capacity. SUBARU and Bell have confirmed that the 412EPX is now available for export markets, with ongoing deliveries and maintenance support tailored to military and civil requirements worldwide.
