Helicopter Manufacturer Bell Ready to Establish Production Facility in Ukraine

U.S. aerospace company Bell Textron has announced its readiness to establish a production facility in Ukraine for the assembly, maintenance, and repair of helicopters.

At the AUSA 2025 international exhibition in Washington, the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine and Bell Textron Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding to develop industrial cooperation in aviation technologies.

The document outlines plans to establish production and service facilities in Ukraine, supporting the country’s high-tech engineering sector and enhancing its industrial potential.

Bell Textron is one of the world’s leading helicopter and aviation systems manufacturers. The U.S. armed forces, NATO members, and civilian operators in over 120 countries use its aircraft.

The company has decades of experience in developing innovative aircraft, including the UH-1 Iroquois (Huey), AH-1 Cobra, V-22 Osprey, and Bell 505 Jet Ranger X.

Under the new agreements, Bell will begin preparations to localize production in Ukraine. The plan includes opening a representative office and establishing a center for final assembly and testing of helicopters.

The company will also explore the creation of a joint venture with Ukrainian partners and the transfer of technologies, equipment, and tools needed for production.

The program will include training and internships for Ukrainian engineers and technical specialists in the United States, followed by work at new facilities in Ukraine.

“These steps will lay the foundation for launching licensed helicopter production in Ukraine and developing new industrial capabilities in the aviation sector,” the parties said during the signing ceremony.

Ukraine has expressed interest in acquiring U.S.-made Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters since 2022.