Nigerian govt splashes $1bn on purchase of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, others from US

The US Department of Defense has confirmed a large arms sale to Nigeria, which includes 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to strengthen the West African country’s military capabilities.

The $1 billion contract includes not just the cutting-edge helicopters, but also 32 Northrop Grumman mission computers, which were granted separately in December for $7.7 million.

Nigeria has been dealing with complicated security issues for years, such as the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and banditry in the northwest. This multifaceted conflict has uprooted millions of people and claimed countless lives, making the helicopter procurement, which is due to be completed in June 2024, a huge increase to Nigeria’s military capabilities.

The sale comes after the US State Department approved Nigeria’s request for helicopters in April 2022, which feature navigation systems, night vision imaging equipment, and comprehensive training.

This military package is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s security infrastructure, contribute to common security goals, and promote regional stability. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the United States emphasized the significance of this sale in supporting the US foreign policy goals and national security objectives by boosting the security of a vital partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The AH-1Z Viper, a multi-role attack helicopter, can perform a variety of missions such as reconnaissance, escort, and strike. This development is part of Nigeria’s larger effort to address a variety of security concerns within its borders, including Islamist militancy and widespread banditry.

Nigeria’s ongoing military procurement strategy includes the acquisition of m-346 attack aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters, Agusta 109 Trekker multi-role helicopters, and Chinese-made Wing Loong II drones, among others.