Nigeria advances plan to acquire 12 US attack helicopters
Nigeria is moving forward with the planned purchase of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States as the two countries expand defence cooperation. The acquisition follows a signing ceremony at Bell Textron and comes amid continuing Nigerian security challenges and joint counterterrorism activity.
Nigeria is advancing plans to acquire 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States, as Abuja and Washington deepen defence cooperation amid continuing security challenges across the country. The US Mission in Nigeria said the planned purchase reflected the growing security partnership between the two countries. It said the acquisition would support Nigeria’s defence capabilities and efforts to address current and emerging threats.
A signing ceremony was held at Bell Textron’s facility in Amarillo, Texas. Chief of the Air Staff Sunday Aneke led a Nigerian Air Force delegation at the event, which the Nigerian Air Force described as an important step in implementing the bilateral defence cooperation programme. Mr.
Aneke said the acquisition represented a milestone in efforts to build a more capable and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force. The Nigerian delegation also inspected the helicopter production line during its visit. The proposed purchase follows months of cooperation involving intelligence sharing, military training, logistical support and joint counterterrorism operations.
In September, the United States delivered military equipment to Nigeria under a foreign military sales agreement. US Africa Command said the delivery was intended to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations and strengthen the bilateral security partnership. The two countries have established defence working groups under their 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap.
The initiative followed the deployment of US personnel and surveillance support to assist Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts. About 200 US military personnel were deployed to Nigeria earlier this year under an agreement with the Nigerian government. Nigerian officials initially said their role would focus on training, intelligence sharing and related support.
US and Nigerian forces later conducted joint operations against Islamic State targets in the north-east, while intelligence cooperation continued after most personnel were withdrawn. The partnership has continued despite tensions over Washington’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern on religious freedom. Nigeria faces attacks by armed groups in several states, including Borno, Katsina, Sokoto, Plateau and Benue.
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