The Czech Republic accepted the last two UH-1Y helicopters in June of 2024 marking the successful completion of in-country deliveries of twelve H-1 helicopters. This delivery was part of a partnership with NAVAIR’s U.S. Marine Corps H-1 Light/Attack Helicopter Program Office (PMA-276) and industry partner, Bell.

In 2019, the Czech Republic selected the H-1 helicopters to modernize the country’s armed forces and strengthen its homeland defenses and the Czech Air Force squadron. A total of four AH-1Z Vipers and eight UH-1Y Venoms were part of the agreement to modernize the Czech Armed Forces. The first H-1 helicopters, two AH-1Z Vipers, were delivered to the Czech Republic in August of 2023.

“The delivery of these aircraft is just the beginning of our journey with the Czech Republic Air Force,” said Col. Vasilios Pappas, PMA-276 program manager. “We will continue to work together to deliver the right level of sustainment and training opportunities to nurture our alignment into the future. This is a remarkable milestone.”

Prior to aircraft deliveries, an initial team of Czech aircrew and maintainers had the opportunity to complete the Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303 training pipeline; graduating in February of 2023. The students completed the courses and hands-on training utilized by the U.S. Marine Corps’ military occupational specialties for the AH-1Z and UH-1Y. The syllabus was designed to provide the initial knowledge, skills, and experience required to maintain, operate, and fly the H-1 platform.

Once back in country, the training has remained on-going, working towards initial operational capability by mid-2025 for the Czech Air Force. Czech Republic H-1 crews have been training alongside representatives from Bell, and its supplier, Pinnacle Solutions, through a “train-the-trainer” model. Pilots, crew chiefs and maintainers are learning the additional skills required to operate and sustain its fleet of AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters, and train other members of its force.

In support of in-country training a Flight Training Device (FTD) was constructed to support skills development, offering access to the controls and weapon systems for preparation purposes.

With the delivery of the final aircraft, PMA-276 is providing follow on support to facilitate capabilities and maximize allied interoperability for the Czech Republic.

PMA-276 manages the end-to-end procurement, development, support, fielding and disposal of the Marine Corp and international customer H-1 family of aircraft.  For more information, visit: PMA-276 | NAVAIR (navy.mil)

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