Bell has signed a purchase agreement with Subaru Corporation for a Bell 412EPI helicopter. The aircraft will be operated by Nagano Prefecture Firefighting Department for firefighting, disaster relief and emergency response missions in Japan.

“Bell has a robust relationship with Subaru in Japan. With over 1,500 aircraft delivered since 1952, together we remain one of the strongest vertical lift suppliers in the country," said Jacinto Monge, Bell managing director for north Asia. “The Bell 412EPI remains a staple in this part of the world with multiple prefectures continuing to operate the aircraft for public services and life-saving missions. We look forward to a bright future with Subaru, supporting the UH-X programme and bringing the new Bell 412EPX to market.”