Latest news with #HasanBalaAbubakar
Business Insider
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Nigeria moves closer to acquiring 12 US-made AH-1Z viper attack helicopters
Nigeria is making steady progress toward acquiring 12 U.S.-made AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters in a strategic move to boost its air combat capabilities and strengthen national defense. Nigeria is advancing with plans to acquire 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States. The acquisition aims to enhance Nigeria's air combat and defense capabilities amid growing security challenges. High-level discussions were held between Nigerian and U.S. officials to finalize the terms and timelines. This development follows a high-level visit to the United States by Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, who led a Nigerian delegation to a Programme Management Review Meeting held in San Diego, California, from June 9 to 13, 2025. The meeting brought together senior U.S. government officials and representatives from Bell Textron, manufacturers of the helicopters, to assess progress and fine-tune the delivery timeline. The visit marked a critical step in the procurement process, offering Nigerian defense officials direct engagement with their U.S. counterparts, including the United States Marine Corps—operators of the AH-1Z platform. According to Air Marshal Abubakar, the meetings provided Nigeria with valuable insights into best practices for operating, sustaining, and supporting the AH-1Z, a platform known for its agility, precision strike capabilities, and battlefield survivability. During the engagement, Air Marshal Abubakar expressed his deep appreciation to the U.S. Government, emphasizing the value of its longstanding strategic partnership with Nigeria. ' We are deeply grateful to the United States Government for its enduring strategic partnership with Nigeria. 'The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters will significantly enhance the Nigerian Air Force's combat effectiveness, operational efficiency, and mission readiness. ' The acquisition comes at a time when Nigeria is facing one of the most intense waves of terrorist violence in its history, with insurgent groups launching increasingly sophisticated attacks using advanced weaponry. Deal closed after three years after initial request This deal was first discussed in 2022, when Nigeria indicated interest in purchasing 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States. After nearly three years of deliberation and diplomatic back-and-forth, the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed the sale, signaling a major milestone in Nigeria's military modernization efforts. Originally approved in April 2022, the full $997 million package includes engines, guided weapons, night vision systems, training, and logistics support as per Military Africa. The delay was largely due to U.S. concerns over human rights issues, which had stalled similar arms sales in the past. With regional security threats growing, the helicopters are expected to boost Nigeria's counterinsurgency operations and mark a new phase in U.S.-Nigeria military cooperation. The AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter The AH-1Z Viper —also known as the "Zulu Cobra" —is one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the world, developed by Bell Helicopter for the United States Marine Corps. It is an upgraded variant of the AH-1W Super Cobra and is designed for precision strike missions, close air support, and battlefield reconnaissance The platform features advanced avionics, weapons systems, and target acquisition technologies, making it one of the most capable attack helicopters in use today. The AH-1Z Viper offers a multi-mission platform that combines lethal firepower, high survivability, and advanced situational awareness—making it a valuable asset in modern asymmetrical and conventional warfare. The AH-1Z Viper features advanced targeting systems like FLIR and laser designation for precise day-and-night operations, along with radar and rangefinders for engaging ground and air threats. Its weapons include a 20mm rotary cannon, Hellfire missiles, Hydra rockets, Sidewinder missiles, and other munitions, making it a versatile and lethal combat platform. For Nigeria, it represents a significant leap in combat aviation capability, especially in counterinsurgency, anti-terrorism, and border security operations.
Business Insider
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
China expands military supply pact in Africa with new Nigeria deal
Nigeria is set to begin local production of military-grade ammunition under a new partnership with a leading Chinese defense company. The agreement, announced by Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle during an official visit to China, includes the construction of production lines for various types of ammunition and servicing of military equipment, marking a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria's defense capabilities. The meeting follows a March visit by a senior delegation from China's North Industries Corporation (Norinco) to Abuja, marking a significant step in strengthening defense ties between China and Nigeria. According to a statement issued by the Office of the Director of Information and Public Relations, the Minister said the main objective of the engagement was to formalize a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chinese firm and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). He noted that under the MoU, the Chinese company has agreed to facilitate the transfer of cutting-edge defence technology to Nigeria, establish local manufacturing facilities for advanced military equipment, and support technical knowledge exchange to enhance the skills of Nigerian personnel. Other key areas of collaboration include the maintenance and upgrading of existing military hardware, servicing of battle tanks, and offering military engineering services. Under the MoU, new production lines will be constructed for various ammunition types, including 7.62×51mm ball cartridges, 7.62×51mm blank cartridges, 9×19mm pistol cartridges, and machine gun ammunition. Additionally, manufacturing workshops and facilities will be established in Kaduna and Kachia, Kaduna State, for the production of brass casings, bullet jackets, and other essential defense components. Nigeria eyes Chinese air defence systems Apart from securing the military training and hardware production deal, Nigeria is strengthening its defense ties with China to enhance its air defense systems. A recent high-level visit by a Nigerian delegation led by Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, to China resulted in discussions with key defense contractors, including China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) and China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO). The talks focused on advanced technologies to support Nigeria's Military Total Radar Coverage (MTRACON) initiative. The Chinese side showcased defense systems such as high-energy laser counter-drone technologies and the Sky Dragon air defense system. China's military in Africa China has continued to exert its influence in Africa through infrastructure financing and military training, particularly through its Peace Unity-2024 project. The Peace Unity-2024 project focuses on enhancing the capacity of African nations to address regional security challenges. By offering military training, joint exercises, and defense equipment, China has positioned itself as a significant partner in helping African countries build self-reliant security frameworks. This project also emphasizes the sharing of military expertise and technology, aimed at improving the operational effectiveness of African armed forces.
