Subaru Bell 412EPX Embarks on Middle Eastern Demo Tour

Bell Textron is taking its Subaru Bell 412EPX out on the road in its first Middle Eastern demonstration tour, building on its display at the 2025 Dubai Airshow. The aerial firefighting-configured aircraft will make stops across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, with Bell Textron expecting to “attract hundreds of prospective customers across the public safety and defense industries.”

The Japanese-built helicopter is described by its manufacturers as a “next-generation utility helicopter that further improves reliability and durability of the Bell 412 series currently active in various fields.” Its capabilities include missions across commercial and defense sectors, including disaster relief, law enforcement, and patrolling.

“We look forward to continuing the 412 platform’s legacy as a reliable workhorse to operators throughout the region,” said Tim Evans, Bell managing director of Middle East and Africa. “We continue to have positive conversations with both current and prospective customers on how this platform can take their missions to the next level.”

The EPX (Enhanced Performance eXtreme) is the latest evolution of a platform first certified in 1981, with the new variant featuring a 30-minute run-dry main rotor gearbox, increased payload, and updated avionics.