Bell Helicopter [TXT] signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Romanian defense company IAR – Ghimbav Brasov Group to discuss a possible collaboration on the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, Bell Helicopter said Monday.
IAR – Ghimbav Brasov specializes in aeronautical structures and electrical work with an emphasis on maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for helicopters. It has been in operation for over 80 years and is positioned to provide support if Romania purchases the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, Bell Helicopter said.
Photo: Bell Helicopter Textron.
The AH-1Z Viper is an advanced anti-tank attack helicopter designed in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps. It has a combat radius over 149 miles and carries 16 Hellfire missiles, one AIM-9s, and 650 20mm rounds.
“Bell Helicopter is a strong global partner and we are pleased to have this opportunity. We look forward to exploring different avenues of cooperation on one of the most capable platforms in the world,” Ion Dumitrescu, general director of IAR – Ghimbav Brasov, said in a statement.
“We are excited about potential collaboration with a company as well regarded as IAR – Ghimbav Brasov. Their talented engineers and specialists make them a leader in the Romanian defense industry,” Lisa Atherton, Bell Helicopter executive vice president of its military business, said.
The company highlighted that 2015 NATO guidelines encourage member nations to dedicate 2 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for defense spending to modernize equipment and enhance capabilities.
Romania currently spend 1.7 percent of its GDP on defense spending and has committed to exceed this amount in the next few years while moving toward 2 percent, Bell said.