Editing Bell AH-1 Cobra (section)

==Operational history==
{{For|AH-1J, AH-1T, AH-1W, AH-1Z and other twin-engine variants|Bell AH-1 SuperCobra}}
[[File:AH-1G Cobra Vietnam.jpg|thumb|Bell AH-1G over Vietnam]]

===United States===
By June 1967, the first AH-1G HueyCobras had been delivered. Originally designated as UH-1H, the "A" for attack designation was soon adopted and when the improved UH-1D became the UH-1H, the HueyCobra became the AH-1G. The AH-1 was initially considered a variant of the H-1 line, resulting in the G series letter.<ref name=Donald_p166>Donald 2004, p. 166.</ref>

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The first six AH-1s arrived at [[Bien Hoa Air Base]], [[South Vietnam]] on 30 August 1967 for combat testing by the U.S. Army Cobra New Equipment Training Team.<ref name=Bernstein>{{cite book |last=Bernstein |first=Jonathan |title=US Army AH-1 Cobra Units in Vietnam |publisher=Osprey Publishing |series=Osprey Combat Aircraft 41 |year=2003 |isbn=978-1841766065}}</ref>{{rp|11}} On 4 September, the type scored its first combat kill by sinking a [[sampan]] boat, killing four [[Viet Cong]].<ref name=Bernstein/>{{rp|11}} The first AH-1 unit, the 334th Assault Helicopter Company, was declared operational on 6 October 1967. The Army operated the Cobra continuously up to the U.S. withdrawal from South Vietnam in 1973. Typically, the AH-1 provided fire support for ground forces and escorted transport helicopters, in addition to other roles, including aerial rocket artillery (ARA) battalions in the two Airmobile divisions. They also formed "hunter killer" teams by pairing with [[Hughes OH-6 Cayuse|OH-6A Cayuse]] scout helicopters; a team normally comprised a single OH-6 flying slow and low to find enemy forces. If the OH-6 drew fire, the Cobra could strike at the then revealed enemy.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/><ref name= "McGowen 1078">McGowen 2005, pp. 107-108.</ref>

On 12 September 1968, Capt. [[Ronald Fogleman]] was flying an [[F-100 Super Sabre]] when the aircraft was shot down and he ejected {{convert|200|mi}} north of Bien Hoa. Fogleman became the only pilot to be rescued by holding on to an Army AH-1G's deployed gun-panel door.<ref>[http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/f-100-super-sabre-flew-most-missions-in-vietnam/ F-100 Super Sabre Flew Most Missions in Vietnam] – Defensemedianetwork.com, 12 September 2013</ref> Bell built 1,116 AH-1Gs for the U.S. Army between 1967 and 1973, and the Cobras chalked up over a million operational hours in Vietnam;<ref name=Donald/> the number of Cobras in service peaked at 1,081.<ref>Webster & Pedrotty et al. "[https://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/usaf/docs/webster/webster98_ch5.pdf Historical and Architectural Overview of Military Aircraft Hangars]" pp. 5–23 ''[[United States Air Force Air Combat Command]]'', September 1999.</ref> Out of nearly 1,110 AH-1s that were delivered between 1967 and 1973, approximately 300 were lost to a combination of combat and accidents during the conflict.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/><ref>Verier 1990, p. 35.</ref> During [[Operation Lam Son 719]] in Southeastern [[Laos]], 26 U.S Army AH-1Gs were destroyed while a further 158 sustained some level of damage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.comanchero.org/LamSon719.html|title= Lam Son 719}}</ref><ref name=Hinh>{{cite book |last=Nguyen |first=Duy Hinh |title=Operation Lam Sơn 719 |publisher=United States Army Center of Military History |year=1979 |isbn=978-1984054463}}</ref>

The U.S. Marine Corps also operated the AH-1G Cobra in Vietnam for a short time before acquiring the twin-engine [[Bell AH-1 SuperCobra|AH-1J Cobras]].<ref name=Donald_p166/> The AH-1Gs had been adopted by the Marines as an interim measure, a total of 38 helicopters having been transferred from the U.S. Army to the Marines in 1969.<ref name="AH-1J_vector">{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070807001809/http://www.vectorsite.net/avcobra_1.html Marine AH-1J SeaCobra]}}. vectorsite.net</ref><ref name= "McGowen 1089">McGowen 2005, pp. 108-109.</ref>

During Operation Urgent Fury, the [[Invasion of Grenada (1983)|invasion of Grenada in 1983]], several Marine AH-1T SeaCobras and Army AH-1S Cobras were deployed to fly close air support and helicopter escort missions. On the first day of the invasion, two of the four AH-1Ts involved were lost to anti-aircraft fire in the attack on Fort Frederick.<ref name=Kreisher>{{cite web |last1=Kreisher |first1=Otto |title=Operation URGENT FURY – Grenada |url=https://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/operation-urgent-fury-grenada |publisher=Marine Corps Association & Foundation |access-date=6 April 2016 |archive-date=19 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419110427/https://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/operation-urgent-fury-Grenada |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name= "McGowen 160"/>

During 1989, Army Cobras participated in Operation Just Cause, the [[United States invasion of Panama|U.S. invasion of Panama]].<ref name=Huey_Cobra/> It operated alongside its eventual successor in US Army service, the [[Boeing AH-64 Apache]], for the first time during the combat in Panama.<ref>Richardson and Peacock 1992, pp. 51–52.</ref><ref>Bishop 2005, pp. 16–17.</ref>

During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the [[Gulf War]] (1990–91), both the Cobras and SuperCobras deployed in a support role. The USMC deployed 91 AH-1W SuperCobras while the US Army operated 140 AH-1 Cobras of various models in the theatre; these were typically operated from dispersed forward operating bases in close proximity to Saudi Arabia's border with Iraq. Three AH-1s were lost in accidents during fighting and afterward. Cobras successfully destroyed large numbers of Iraqi armored vehicles and various other targets during the intense fighting of the conflict.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/erictegler/2020/10/20/the-marines-ah-1-super-cobra-attack-helicopter-is-slithering-away-after-three-decades-of-service/ |title= The Marines' AH-1 Super Cobra Attack Helicopter Is Slithering Away After Three Decades Of Service |work= forbes.com |first= Eric |last= Tegler |date= 20 October 2020}}</ref>

US Cobras were deployed in further operations across the 1990s. Army Cobras provided support for the US humanitarian intervention during [[Unified Task Force|Operation Restore Hope]] in Somalia in 1993. They were also employed during the [[US invasion of Haiti]] in 1994.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/>

During the 1990s, the US Army gradually phased out its Cobra fleet, completely retiring the type from active service in March 1999.<ref name= "army withdraw1999"/> The service, which had long sought a more capable successor to the Cobra, had procured a large fleet of AH-64 Apaches since receiving the first example of the type during early 1984.<ref>Richardson and Peacock 1992, pp. 14–15.</ref><ref name=Bishop_p5>Bishop 2005, pp. 5–6.</ref> The withdrawn AH-1s were typically offered to other potential operators, usually NATO allies.<ref name=Donald/><ref name= "army withdraw1999">{{citation |publisher=US Army |date=31 March 1999 |title=Army retires Cobras from active force |url= http://www.dtic.mil/armylink/news/Mar1999/a19990331cobra.html |author=Edward Zink |archive-date=5 May 2002 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20020505095724/http://www.dtic.mil/armylink/news/Mar1999/a19990331cobra.html |work=Army Link News}}</ref> The Army retired the AH-1 from its reserves in September 2001. The retired AH-1s were then disposed of, often through sales to overseas customers; the final portion of the fleet was liquidated in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/46906/ah_1_cobra_retirement_program_at_fort_drum_ends_final_four_helicopters_head_to_thailand |title=AH-1 Cobra retirement program at Fort Drum ends; final four helicopters head to Thailand |website=www.army.mil|date=21 October 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/17810/pentagon-to-sell-off-its-ah-1w-super-cobra-attack-helicopter-fleet |title= Pentagon To Sell-Off Its AH-1W Super Cobra Attack Helicopter Fleet |publisher= The War Zone |first= Tyler |last= Rogoway |date= 19 January 2018 |access-date= 30 March 2021 |archive-date= 25 March 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210325094043/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/17810/pentagon-to-sell-off-its-ah-1w-super-cobra-attack-helicopter-fleet |url-status= dead }}</ref> Some were also given to the USDA's [[United States Forest Service|Forest Service]].<ref name=Donald/> The US Marine Corps retired the AH-1W SuperCobra in 2020, and continues to operate the [[Bell AH-1Z Viper|AH-1Z Viper]].

===Israel===
[[File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - The Cobra Helicopter Makes a Splash.jpg|thumb|right|Israeli Air Force ''Tzefa'' helicopters]]

Israel was an early export customer for the Cobra, purchasing six AH-1Gs from the US Army.<ref name= "isdef 2014"/> The government was keen to procure a capable attack helicopter as recent combat in the [[Yom-Kippur War]] had shown a need for a capable platform for countering enemy armour. The type was operated by the [[Israeli Air Force]] (IAF), with the First Attack Helicopter Squadron formally commencing on 1 December 1977.<ref name= "isdef 2014">{{cite web |url= https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/content/end-cobra-era |title= The End of the Cobra Era |publisher= israeldefense.co.il |date= 29 April 2014 |access-date= 30 March 2021 |archive-date= 20 April 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210420173657/https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/content/end-cobra-era |url-status= dead }}</ref> The service named the type as the "Tzefa" ({{langx|he|צפע}}, for [[Viperidae|Viper]]).<ref name="AFA">{{cite journal |url=http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2013/January%202013/0113classics.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2013/January%202013/0113classics.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |first=Walter J. |last=Boyne |date=January 2013 |title=Airpower Classics |journal=Air Force Magazine |publisher=[[Air Force Association]] |page=84}}</ref><ref>Donald 2004, p. 191.</ref>

On 9 May 1979, the IAF's Cobras performed their first attack, firing four Orev missiles at a house near [[Tyre, Lebanon]], that was occupied by militants.<ref name= "isdef 2014"/> Israel's fleet of Cobras was particularly active on the Lebanon front, having participated in the fighting there for in excess of 20 years. They were intensively used during the [[1982 Lebanon War]] to destroy [[Syria]]n armor and fortifications alike, being reportedly responsible for the destruction of dozens of Syrian ground vehicles. In one operation alone, a pair of IAF Cobras destroyed three enemy tanks and one truck.<ref name= "isdef 2014"/> Based upon its performance in the conflict, it was decided to remove the rocket pods and increase the amount of ammunition carried for the cannon instead. Other operational changes included a greater emphasis on cooperation with ground units to avoid friendly fire incidents.<ref name= "isdef 2014"/>

Largely due to a US [[embargo]] that prevented the purchase of further Cobras, Israel procured alternative platforms instead, including around 20 [[McDonnell Douglas MD 500 Defender]]s in late 1979.<ref name= "isdef 2014"/> Between 1983 and 1985, by which time the embargo had been lifted, 24 new Cobras were purchased; the expanded fleet enabled the creation of a second squadron, known as the Fighting Family Squadron, on 1 June 1985.<ref name= "isdef 2014"/> During 1990, the IAF received its first [[Boeing AH-64 Apache]] attack helicopters,<ref name=Donald_p157>Donald 2004, p. 157.</ref> having acquired a fleet of 42 by 2000.<ref name="Israeliapache1">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/03/world/israeli-says-us-fears-endanger-major-purchase-of-apache-copters.html |title=Israeli Says U.S. Fears Endanger Major Purchase of Apache Copters |work=[[The New York Times]] |first=William A. |last=Orme |date=3 February 2000}}</ref> At the time of the Apache's procurement, there was considerable political controversy over the IAF's decision to overlook upgrades to its existing Cobra fleet in favour of acquiring an entirely separate model of attack helicopter.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/jpost/access/99880525.html?dids=99880525:99880525&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Mar+23%2C+1994&author=ALON+PINKAS&pub=Jerusalem+Post&desc=IAI+EXPERTS+CRITICIZE+AIR+FORCE+FOR+PREFERRING+APACHE+OVER+UPGRADED+COBRA&pqatl=google |title=IA Experts Criticize Air Force For Preferring Apache Over Upgraded Cobra |work=Jerusalem Post |date=23 March 1994 |first=Alon |last=Pinkas |access-date=30 March 2021 |archive-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025055625/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/jpost/access/99880525.html?dids=99880525:99880525&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Mar+23,+1994&author=ALON+PINKAS&pub=Jerusalem+Post&desc=IAI+EXPERTS+CRITICIZE+AIR+FORCE+FOR+PREFERRING+APACHE+OVER+UPGRADED+COBRA&pqatl=google |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Cobras continued to play a role in major operations against groups such as [[Hezbollah]], including Operations "[[Operation Accountability|Accountability]]" and "[[Operation Grapes of Wrath|Grapes of Wrath]]", in southern Lebanon.<ref name= "isdef 2014"/> During August 1996, the IAF's Cobra fleet was expanded yet again via 14 surplus US Army AH-1F Cobras being acquired, some of which were used by the front line squadrons while others were operated exclusively for flight training purposes. During the 2000s, the Cobra's precision strike capability was bolstered by the adoption of the [[Spike (missile)|Spike missile]].<ref name= "isdef 2014"/>

During late 2013, Israel opted to retire the last of its 33 AH-1 Cobras from front line service, largely due to budget cuts. Its role was taken up entirely by the IAI's squadrons of AH-64 attack helicopters, while an extensive fleet of [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s (UAVs) took over the role of patrolling combat zones. The Cobra fleet was considerably older than the Apaches, which contributed to several fatal crashes of the type. The Cobras were also more expensive to maintain than UAVs and their use exposed pilots to attacks from [[man-portable air-defense system]]s operated by guerrilla groups.<ref name=Reuters_Israel_retire>{{cite web |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/arms-israel-airforce-idUSL5N0KQ2ER20140528 |title= Drones gain ground in Israel after Cobra helicopters cut |publisher= Reuters |date= 28 May 2014 |access-date= 30 June 2017 |archive-date= 16 October 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151016060706/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/28/arms-israel-airforce-idUSL5N0KQ2ER20140528 |url-status= live}}</ref> Around the same time frame, the IAF also pursued upgrades to its AH-64 fleet.<ref name="DID_AH-64A_upgrades">{{Cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/israel-debates-longbows-benefits-vs-costs-0332/ |title=Israel's AH-64A Attack Helos Get Custom Upgrades – Despite the USA |work=Defense Industry Daily|date=17 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321221708/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/israel-debates-longbows-benefits-vs-costs-0332/ |archive-date=2014-03-21}}<br />{{Cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/israel-debates-longbows-benefits-vs-costs-0332/ |title=Israel's AH-64A Attack Helos Get Custom Upgrades – Despite the USA [updated] |work=Defense Industry Daily |date=26 October 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104065658/https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/israel-debates-longbows-benefits-vs-costs-0332/ |archive-date=2017-11-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.worldtribune.com/2014/03/14/israel-upgrades-apache-helicopters-after-u-s-blocked-their-modernization/ |title=Israel Upgrades Apache Helicopters After US Blocked Their Modernization |work=World Tribune |date=14 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624025854/http://www.worldtribune.com/2014/03/14/israel-upgrades-apache-helicopters-after-u-s-blocked-their-modernization/ |archive-date=24 June 2015}}</ref> In late 2014, Israel transferred 16 of the recently-withdrawn Cobras to the [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]] to bolster the numbers of their existing fleet.<ref name= "Reuters Jordan2015">{{cite web |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/mideast-crisis-israel-jordan-idUSL8N0ZO15120150723 |title= Israel gives Jordan helicopters for border security – U.S. source |publisher= Reuters |date= 23 July 2015 |access-date= 30 June 2017 |archive-date= 16 October 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151016060706/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/23/mideast-crisis-israel-jordan-idUSL8N0ZO15120150723 |url-status= live}}</ref>

===Japan===
[[File:JGSDF AH-1S 20140420-02.jpg|thumb|[[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]] AH-1S Cobra, April 2014]]

Japan manufactured 89 AH-1S Cobras under license by [[Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd.|Fuji Heavy Industries]] from 1984 to 2000.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2001/2001%20-%203028.html "Apache wins Japan deal"]. Flight International, 4 September 2001.</ref> They are used by the [[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]] and are Step 3 models, which are roughly the equivalent to the U.S. Army's AH-1Fs. The engine is the T53-K-703 turboshaft, which [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries]] produced under license.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/> During the 2010s, Japan was examining options for procuring a fleet of new rotorcraft to replace its aging Cobras; it has been specified that the replacement helicopter would need to be optimized for marine use and able to operate from expeditionary airstrips or sea bases and that between 30-50 such craft would be purchased.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/japan-aerospace/2018/11/29/japan-sets-naval-friendly-requirement-in-search-to-replace-ah-1s-cobra-fleet/ |title= Japan sets naval-friendly requirement in search to replace AH-1S Cobra fleet |publisher= defensenews.com |first= Mike |last= Yeo |date= 29 November 2018}}</ref>

In December 2022, the Japanese government decided to replace 47 AH-1S, 12 [[AH-64D]], 33 [[Kawasaki OH-1|OH-1]], and 26 [[U-125A]] with unmanned aerial vehicles. Japan plans to increase its defense budget from 1.24% of GDP in fiscal 2021 to around 2.0% within 10 years and has decided to retire these helicopters and aircraft as part of an effort to spend its defense budget efficiently.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20221209222859/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/20221209-OYT1T50038/ 空自捜索機や陸自戦闘ヘリを廃止、無人機で代替へ…防衛予算効率化] [[Yomiuri Shimbun]], 9 December 2022</ref>

===Jordan===
[[File:USMC-120518-M-HF911-372.jpg|thumb|Royal Jordanian Air Force AH-1F Cobra in May 2012, next to a USMC AH-1W Cobra]]
Jordan obtained an initial batch of 24 AH-1Fs during the late 1980s. In 2001, nine additional ex-US Army Cobras were acquired to supplement the fleet. During 2010, Jordan transferred 16 AH-1F helicopters to Pakistan under a US-sponsored support program that provided Islamabad with 40 AH-1 refurbished helicopters.<ref name="airvectors.net">{{cite web |url=http://www.airvectors.net/avcobra_2.html#m6 |website=AirVectors |title=[2.6] International Cobra Sales |date=1 June 2020 |first=Greg |last=Goebel}}</ref>

In late 2014, Israel and Jordan came to an agreement under which the former transferred 16 ex-IAF Cobras to the [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]]. The deal was publicly stated to be for the purpose of increasing border security, which was viewed as a pressing concern of both nations due to the threats posed by [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]] (IS) militants, as well as by other insurgent groups, at that time.<ref name= "Reuters Jordan2015"/>

The Royal Jordanian Air Force has at least one squadron of Cobras in service, and is supposed to have used them in combat in Iraq and Syria.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Embraer|first=In association with|title=World Air Forces directory 2022|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-directory-2022/146695.article|access-date=2022-01-31|website=Flight Global|language=en}}</ref>

===Turkey===
Turkey bought ten AH-1Ws in the early 1990s, and supplemented them with 32 ex-US Army Cobras. These additional units included several TAH-1P trainers while the majority were brought up to the AH-1F standard.<ref name="airvectors.net"/> During the 2010s, Turkish Cobras have repeatedly seen combat in operations against [[Kurd]]ish insurgents around Turkey's borders with both Syria and Iraq. Two Cobras were reportedly lost to enemy fire during these operations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kurdish militants reportedly shoot down Turkish security forces helicopter |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/05/14/kurdish-militants-just-challenged-turkish-air-power-in-a-major-way/ |first=Erin |last= Cunningham |date=14 May 2016 |newspaper= The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/3479/video-shows-pkk-fighter-blasting-a-turkish-ah-1-cobra-out-of-the-sky-with-a-shoulder-fired-missile |title= Video Shows PKK Fighter Blasting A Turkish AH-1 Cobra Out Of The Sky With A Shoulder-Fired Missile |publisher= The War Zone |first= Tyler |last= Rogoway |date= 14 May 2016 |access-date= 30 March 2021 |archive-date= 19 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210219022900/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/3479/video-shows-pkk-fighter-blasting-a-turkish-ah-1-cobra-out-of-the-sky-with-a-shoulder-fired-missile |url-status= dead }}</ref> Amid the [[2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt]], Turkish Cobras were alleged to have fired upon several police vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://sofrep.com/news/watch-ah-1-cobra-attack-helicopters-firing-turkish-police-vehicles-failed-coup/ |title= Watch: Cobra Attack Helicopters firing on Turkish police vehicles during the failed coup |publisher= sofrep.com |first= Desiree |last= Huitt |date= 23 July 2016}}</ref>

===Pakistan===
Between 1984 and 1986, [[Pakistan]] was supplied with an initial batch of 20 AH-1S gunships by the US;<ref name="SIPRI">{{cite web |url= http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |title= SIPRI |publisher= armstrade.sipri.org |access-date= 15 April 2013 |archive-date= 13 May 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110513073842/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |url-status= dead }}</ref> these were later upgraded with the C-NITE thermal imaging package.<ref name=Stgpg>{{cite news |title=Pakistan Wants More Helicopter Gunships |url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htproc/articles/20100102.aspx |date=2 January 2010}}</ref> Operated by [[Pakistan Army Aviation]], the service first used Cobra overseas in Somalia during the [[United Nations Operation in Somalia II]], where a single squadron was deployed in 1994.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/AWPReview/TextContent.aspx?pId=24&amp;rnd=454 |title=Army Aviation |website=www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk |access-date=13 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906193642/https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/AWPReview/TextContent.aspx?pId=24&rnd=454 |archive-date=6 September 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Pakistani Cobras subsequently saw action in Sierra Leone.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/AWPReview/TextContent.aspx?pId=24&rnd=454 |title=Army Aviation |website=www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk |access-date=13 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906193642/https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/AWPReview/TextContent.aspx?pId=24&rnd=454 |archive-date=6 September 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=geo>{{cite news |url=http://www.geo.tv/3-16-2010/61196.htm |title=US transfers Cobra helicopters to Pakistan |date=16 March 2010 |publisher=[[GEO News]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200956/http://www.geo.tv/3-16-2010/61196.htm |archive-date=29 October 2013}}</ref>

By 2013, Pakistan reportedly operated a fleet of 35 AH-1F helicopters.<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/> Maintaining these aircraft has been difficult, but possible through commercial channels. Additionally, the US government provided $750,000 (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=750000|start_year=2013}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) through 2013 to update the existing AH-1F/S Cobra fleet.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/17-Mar-2010/us-delivers-cobra-gunships-to-pakistan |title=US delivers Cobra gunships to Pakistan |newspaper=[[The Nation (Pakistan)]] |date=17 March 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102101925/http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/International/17-Mar-2010/US-delivers-Cobra-gunships-to-Pakistan |archive-date=2 November 2013}}</ref> However, controversy over how much of this funding has actually been spent on Pakistan's Cobras has also been present throughout the 2010s.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/maintaining-pakistans-cobra-attack-helicopters-05098/ |title= Maintaining Pakistan's Cobra Attack Helicopters |publisher= defenseindustrydaily.com |date= 5 August 2016}}</ref> Turkey has also become a key supplier of spare parts for the Cobra, often free of cost, to Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010%5C01%5C25%5Cstory_25-1-2010_pg7_12 |title=Turkey to provide Cobra spare parts free of charge |newspaper=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)]] |date=25 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102085856/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010%5C01%5C25%5Cstory_25-1-2010_pg7_12 |archive-date=2 November 2013}}</ref> During the 2010s, Pakistan lost a total of three aircraft in separate incidents.<ref name=newscrash>{{cite web |url=http://www.pakakhbar.com/military/army.html |title=Pakistan Army |access-date=13 June 2013 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031233125/http://www.pakakhbar.com/military/army.html |archive-date=31 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://indian.ruvr.ru/news/2013_10_28/Pakistani-Army-s-AH-1-Cobra-helicopter-crashes-injuring-pilots-5101/ |title=Pakistani Army's AH-1 Cobra helicopter crashes injuring pilots |publisher=[[Voice of Russia]] |date=28 October 2013 |access-date=30 October 2013 |archive-date=1 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101115339/http://indian.ruvr.ru/news/2013_10_28/Pakistani-Army-s-AH-1-Cobra-helicopter-crashes-injuring-pilots-5101/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Pakistan repeatedly sought the [[Bell AH-1 SuperCobra|Bell AH-1W SuperCobra]] from the US to supplement and replace its current AH-1 Cobras.<ref name="Stgpg" /> Attempts to acquire the [[Bell AH-1Z Viper|AH-1Z Viper]] or [[Boeing AH-64 Apache|AH-64E Apache]] from the US were rejected, so Pakistan turned to buying other foreign attack helicopters.  Possible candidates have included the Turkish [[TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK|T129]], the Chinese [[CAIC Z-10]], and the Russian [[Mil Mi-24|Mi-35 Hind]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140627/DEFREG03/306270022/Pakistani-Cobra-Crash-Further-Stresses-Tired-Fleet |archive-url= https://archive.today/20140725220513/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140627/DEFREG03/306270022/Pakistani-Cobra-Crash-Further-Stresses-Tired-Fleet |url-status= dead |archive-date= 25 July 2014 |title= Pakistani Cobra Crash Further Stresses Tired Fleet |publisher= Defensenews.com |date= 27 June 2014}}</ref> In November 2014, Russia approved the sale of Mi-35M helicopters to Pakistan.<ref>[https://archive.today/20141130053320/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20141113/DEFREG03/311130039/Pakistan-Wins-Approval-Purchase-Mi-35-Helo Pakistan Wins Approval To Purchase Mi-35 Helo] – Defensenews.com, 13 November 2014</ref> In April 2015, China delivered three Z-10s to Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/863869/chinese-thunderbolt-helciopters-may-replace-american-cobras-in-pakistan/ |title=Chinese 'Thunderbolt' helicopters may replace American Cobras in Pakistan |publisher= The Express Tribune |date=3 April 2015}}</ref> During the same month, the US Department of State approved the sale of 15 AH-1Zs and associated equipment to Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2015/04/07/state-dept-oks-952m-pakistan-helo-deal/ |title=State Dept. OKs $952M Pakistan Helo Deal |website=Defense News |author= Joe Gould and Usman Ansari |date=7 April 2015}}</ref> During October 2017, the T129 was also reported to be a contender for further orders.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1365515 |title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi becomes Pakistan's first PM to fly military helicopter |date=23 October 2017 |newspaper=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Philippines===
[[File:2021-11-19 Cobra Sangley 003.jpg|thumb|[[Philippine Air Force]] Bell AH-1S]]

The Jordanian government offered to provide up to four surplus AH-1F/S Cobras to the Philippines for counter terrorism operations. The offer was later reduced to two units, which the Philippine government accepted.<ref name="PHDR_JordanAH1">{{cite web |url=https://www.phdefenseresource.com/2019/11/transfer-of-ah-1f-cobra-attack.html |title=Transfer of AH-1F Cobra Attack Helicopters from Jordan Project of the Philippine Air Force |website=Philippine Defense Resource |access-date=June 12, 2019 |archive-date=15 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215095740/https://www.phdefenseresource.com/2019/11/transfer-of-ah-1f-cobra-attack.html |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/167203/jordan-donates-2-attack-helicopters |title=Jordan donates 2 attack helicopters |website=INQUIRER.net |date=24 May 2018 |access-date=24 May 2018}}</ref> On 26 November 2019, an Antonov An-124 airlifter carried the two Bell AH-1S Cobras from Jordan to Clark International Airport/Clark Air Base. The helicopters are reportedly painted in a light grey livery similar to the paint scheme of the PAF's [[AgustaWestland AW109#Military and government operators|AgustaWestland AW109E]] armed helicopters.<ref name="PHDR_JordanAH1"/>

The helicopters were used as training and transition platforms as the PAF prepares to acquire new purpose-built attack helicopters, while also used for secondary ground support and attack roles. PAF AH-1s conducted airstrikes on communist insurgent positions as part of OPLAN "Wrath of Polaris 2" conducted by Joint Task Force Tala in Gonzaga, Cagayan,<ref>{{cite web |title=15th Strike Wing - Trojans are coming in hot |url=https://www.paf.mil.ph/sites/default/files/Publications/Tab%20B%20-%20Flight%20Path%20Vol%208%20comp.pdf |website=Philippine Air Force |access-date=15 March 2023 |pages=16–17 |date=December 2022}}</ref> as well as other airstrikes against terrorist forces.

The AH-1S Cobras were retired from service on 28 December 2024 after a few years in service, as parts have become difficult to obtain.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/MaxDefense/posts/pfbid033rEGULAUBahRqipUCWdKNaAuri5g3eFRJU8Gd9gDUNK8MoFtpkuxibbra2NvReEUl MaxDefense Philippines - PAF retires OV-10 Bronco, AH-1 Cobra attack aircraft]</ref>

===Civilian operators===
In 2003, the US Forest Service acquired 25 retired AH-1Fs from the US Army.<ref name=Donald/> These have been designated Bell 209 and are being converted into Firewatch Cobras with infrared and low light sensors and systems for real time fire monitoring.<ref name=firewatch_page>[http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/newslog/september2004/roundup/firewatch.html Firewatch Helicopter page]. US Forest Service, 2004. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227024113/http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/newslog/september2004/roundup/firewatch.html |date=27 December 2008}}</ref><ref name=Firewatch_sheet>{{cite web |url=http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity/documents/st-main/news/fact-sheets/cobra.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity/documents/st-main/news/fact-sheets/cobra.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |title=Shasta-Trinity National Forest – Home |work=fs.fed.us |access-date=1 April 2015}}</ref> The last two Firewatch Cobras were retired in October 2021.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Broadbent |first=Mark |title=Rotary Focus |magazine=[[Air International]] |date=December 2021 |volume=101 |issue=6 |page=16 |issn=0306-5634}}</ref>

The Florida Division of Forestry also acquired three AH-1Ps from the US Army. These are called Bell 209 "Firesnakes" and are equipped to carry a water/fire retardant system.<ref name=Donald/><ref>Stephens, Ernie. [https://archive.today/20120707020041/http://avtoday.com/rw/military/attack/Recycling-Helicopters-From-Military-Service-to-Public-Service_27338.html "Recycling helicopters from military service to public service."] ''Rotor & Wing'', November 2008. Retrieved on 12 October 2009.</ref>