Bell AH-1 Cobra

There are potential a number of ITAR issues to work though before a stock AH-1Z gets built in Ukraine (or anywhere). While the aircraft with all onboard systems are already in European hands, some of the build methods and equipment might take a bit longer to sort out.
An option might be to provide AH-1Z that are currently sitting in the desert (if there are still any of those) to Ukraine.
 
There should certainly be frames to draw from in the desert. At a minimum the 12 birds built for Pakistan but not delivered under the 1st Trump administration. These birds were delivered direct to AMARG and later offered to Slovakia to backfill ex-Soviet types transferred to Ukraine, but the offer was not taken up.

There should also be USMC frames available as well, as there have been squadrons stood down as part of the reorganization of the Corps that has seen an downsizing of the aviation element in favor of EABO and other force concepts. There had also been talk of the Czechs acquiring AH-1Zs and UH-1Ys as Excess Defence Articles a few years back - which I would say again speaks to there been some feedstock of useable frames at Davis Monthan AFB.

But agreed fully with yasotay - any Ukrainian production of H-1s is surely some ways away. The ITAR authorizations that would be needed to allow such overseas production would easily span into the dollar value that requires Congressional notification and Senatorial assent. We'd see DSCA notifications and the like loooooong before any metal starts getting cut.
 

US Marine Corps gunships to get Link 16 upgrade​

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/us-marine-corps-gunships-to-get-link-16-upgrade/
The programme, previously known as SIEPU, increases the electrical power available on the airframe and reworks the internal architecture so newer systems can be integrated. According to Bell, the resulting Series A configuration brings improved defensive systems, digital interoperability and the ability to carry net-enabled weapons and data links. Also included are changes to the Venom’s fast rope, hoist and litter kit intended to support personnel recovery from austere locations.
Click to expand...
 
Same thoughts here I always thought that the Marine Corp gunships always had Link 16 from the Zulu upgrade, the upgrade cannot come fast enough.
 

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