Ukraine is actively discussing with the United States the possibility of acquiring 12 Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters that were originally intended for Pakistan, Defense News reports. The helicopters were manufactured in 2017-2018 but were never delivered to Pakistan for political reasons related to the US decision to stop military aid to Islamabad.

Pakistan initially contracted for the AH-1Z in 2015 and 2016 through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, which was funded by U.S. military aid. However, Washington suspended military cooperation with Pakistan in 2018, accusing the country of not doing enough to combat the Taliban and radical groups in the border areas with Afghanistan. As a result, the helicopters were sent to storage at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

Now these machines have become the subject of negotiations between the United States and Ukraine. According to the source, Kyiv is interested in receiving helicopters that can significantly enhance its combat potential in the current conflict with Russia. AH-1Z Vipers are multi-role helicopters that are equipped with advanced weapons systems, including Hellfire missiles and high-precision guidance systems. Their introduction could provide Ukrainian forces with additional mobility and firepower.

In addition, these helicopters were recently offered for sale to Slovakia, but Kyiv is trying to occupy this niche, counting on US support in the matter of their transfer.