The United States Department of Defense has confirmed a significant arms sale to Nigeria, aimed at strengthening the country’s military capabilities in the face of increasing security challenges.
The deal, worth $1 billion, involves the purchase of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, which will greatly enhance Nigeria’s military assets.
Additionally, the contract includes 32 mission computers provided by Northrop Grumman. In December, an extra contract worth $7.7 million was awarded to further enhance Nigeria’s defense capabilities.
The sale was approved by the U.S. State Department in April 2022.
Nigeria has been dealing with various security threats, such as the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and widespread banditry in the northwest.
The acquisition of the advanced AH-1Z Viper helicopters, which is expected to be completed by June 2024, is a significant move in strengthening Nigeria’s military capabilities to tackle complex security challenges.
The AH-1Z Viper is a versatile attack helicopter that is designed for various missions, including reconnaissance and strike operations.
Nigeria’s ongoing military procurement strategy includes a range of sophisticated weapons, such as the m-346 attack aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters, Agusta 109 Trekker multi-role helicopters, and Chinese-made Wing Loong II drones.
According to military experts, the acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters is in line with Nigeria’s broader efforts to address and counter the diverse security threats within its borders.
