Prime Business Africa
By Prosper Okoye
Nigeria is set to acquire 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters from the United States in a deal worth $455 million (about ₦200 billion), Prime Business Africa gathered.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, is in the US to fast-track the delivery of the helicopters, which are intended to strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) combat capability and support national security operations.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF Director of Public Relations, said the meetings took place from 5 to 6 January in San Diego, California.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThey involved senior US government officials and representatives from Bell Textron, the manufacturer of the helicopters, as part of a Programme Management Review.
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Air Marshal Aneke described the acquisition as critical to improving NAF’s airpower and operational readiness. He said the review was meant to ensure programme discipline, accountability, and timely delivery.
He added that the AH-1Z programme reflects the defence cooperation between Nigeria and the US, based on mutual trust, shared values, and a common vision for regional security. He also instructed the programme management team to ensure production stays on schedule and within budget.
The NAF said the helicopters will enhance operational efficiency, precision strike capability, and support for ground forces while reducing collateral damage during operations.
The AH-1Z Viper is a fast, twin-engine attack helicopter designed for precision strikes and close air support. It can carry rockets, missiles, and a 20mm cannon. Its strengths include speed, manoeuvrability, and advanced targeting systems. However, it is expensive to maintain, requires well-trained crews, and is vulnerable to modern surface-to-air missiles, which may limit its effectiveness in heavily defended areas.
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