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After months of discussions involving multiple government agencies, Nepal has decided to accept six Bell helicopters offered by the United States under a Foreign Military Financing grant. This decision comes despite the Nepali Army's expressed preference for heavy-lift helicopters capable of transporting construction materials and disaster relief supplies to remote areas.

The six helicopters are in addition to two previously pledged by Washington, bringing the total U.S. commitment to eight Bell helicopters. The offer was part of a $100 million assistance package announced by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard R. Verma during his visit to Nepal in August 2024, aimed at strengthening Nepal's rotary-wing capabilities.

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The US proposal to provide six Bell helicopters to the Nepal government under its $100 million assistance package has been endorsed by the army.

Nepal had initially submitted a counter-proposal in late April, seeking aerial cranes or heavy-lift helicopters better aligned with its operational needs. The army proposed aircraft capable of carrying construction materials like steel beams and concrete using external slings. However, this request faced bureaucratic hurdles, with the finance ministry initially deferring approval, stating that in-kind foreign assistance should be decided by the defense ministry.

Intense negotiations between the finance and defense ministries ensued. Ultimately, the U.S. proposal was accepted after certain terms perceived to have national security implications were removed. Army spokesperson Brigadier General Raja Ram Basnet confirmed that the proposal, after undergoing required procedures, was sent to the Ministry of Defence and subsequently approved. The U.S. side reportedly remained firm on providing specific models of helicopters, including four single-engine and two double-engine variants.

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We approved the proposal after the defence ministry agreed to accept the helicopters.