Aside from the 202 International AH-1Js sold to Iran before the fall of the Shah, the Cobra has been obtained by a number of international buyers. Exact details of these foreign sales are not always clear, but it is possible to construct an outline:
In the early 1970s, the Spanish Navy purchased eight new-build AH-1Gs, designating the type the "Z-14". These were equipped with the M-35 20 millimeter cannon system, and were used to support coastal patrol boats. Four of these were wrecked in accidents, the rest being retired in 1985. Three were sent back to the US and one was kept in storage in Spain.
The Israelis obtained 12 AH-1Gs in 1977, and obtained further batches of later single-engine Cobra variants to bring the total to at least 40. Most Israeli Cobras have been updated to AH-1F configuration.
The Japanese Self-Defense Forces bought two AH-1Es, one in 1979 and one in 1980, leading to production of at least 54 of the AH-1E by Fuji Heavy Industries with Kawasaki T53-K-703 turboshaft engines. The survivors of this production were later brought up to AH-1F standards.
Following the acquisition of eight AH-1J International Cobras in the late 1990s, South Korea obtained 90 more Cobras, apparently mostly AH-1Fs, in the early 1990s.
Pakistan obtained 20 AH-1Fs in the early 1980s.
Jordan obtained 24 AH-1Fs in the second half of the 1980s, and apparently obtained a few used Cobras for training in the mid-1990s.
Bahrain has purchased several dozen AH-1Fs and apparently also bought a handful of used Cobras as well.
Thailand obtained a total of eight AH-1Fs.
Taiwan bought at least 16 AH-1W Cobras in the early 1990s and may have bought a larger batch later.
Turkey bought 24 used AH-1Ps and later purchased at least 9 AH-1Ws. In the summer of 2000, Turkey selected a slightly modified AH-1Z, given the recycled name of "KingCobra", for a helicopter gunship requirement for the Turkish Army. The initial contract is for 50 gunships, with further contracts for 95 more to follow.
ISTANBUL SINCE 1453
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