Czech Air Force Viper shows colours

Early April 2023, photos from the first Bell AH-1Z Viper for the Vzdušné síly armády České republiky (CzAF, Czech Air Force) in full colours were shown on twitter.

The photos were made during an official hand-over ceremony. Unfortunately the helicopter was was obscured because of the people standing in front of it. Part of the serial (86) is visible on the nose of the helicopter. So far little information is known on the serials and corresponding construction numbers. If you have more information, please let us know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In September 2020, Bell Textron Inc. was awarded a contract for the production and delivery of four AH-1Z Viper and eight UH-1Y Venom helicopters for the Czech Air Force. Bell Textron started the production of the first helicopters in July 2021 for the Venom and in February 2022 for the Viper. Work on both types is expected to be completed by November 2023.

In August 2022, as part of the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) programme, the Pentagon decided to transfer eight former US Marine Corps (USMC) helicopters, six Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and two Bell UH-1Y Venom multipurpose helicopters, to the Czech Air Force. Together with the new built aircraft, Czechia will have of fleet of ten AH-1Z and ten UH-1Y helicopters.

Photo via Czech MoD/Bell Helicopters