The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and the American aerospace company Bell Textron Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the development of industrial cooperation in the field of aviation technologies. The signing took place on October 15 at the AUSA 2025 international exhibition in Washington, D.C., the ministry’s press service reported.
The document lays the groundwork for launching production and service centers in Ukraine. The company plans to develop its own base for the assembly, maintenance, and repair of helicopters, which will not only create new jobs but also effectively revive the national helicopter industry.
Under the agreement, Bell Textron plans to open a representative office, establish a Final Assembly and Checkout (FACO) center, and is also considering the possibility of creating a joint venture with Ukrainian partners. The company will transfer technology, equipment, and tools necessary to launch production and will provide training for Ukrainian engineers and specialists — first in the United States, and later at the new facility in Ukraine. These steps will lay the foundation for licensed helicopter production and strengthen the country’s aerospace sector.
Bell Textron, founded in 1935 and part of the Textron Corporation, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of helicopters, tiltrotors, and aerospace systems. Its aircraft are operated by the U.S. Armed Forces, NATO countries, and civilian operators in more than 120 countries worldwide. Among its well-known models are the UH-1 Iroquois (Huey), AH-1 Cobra, V-22 Osprey, and Bell 505 Jet Ranger X.
The company’s financial performance shows consistent growth. In the first half of 2025, Bell Textron earned $2 billion, up 31% year-on-year, driven by $1.3 billion in military contracts and $717 million in commercial helicopter sales. The company’s profit rose to $170 million, despite an increase in R&D spending to $77 million. In 2024, revenue reached $3.6 billion, while investments in a new plant in Texas and U.S. government contracts ensure a projected cash flow of $1 billion for 2025.
