Nigeria receives green light for AH-1Z attack helicopter deal
Nigeria has signed on to buy AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters manufactured by Bell. (Photo: USMC)
Nigeria has been approved by the US to buy AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters.
The US State Department has approved an estimated $997 million order from Nigeria for Bell AH-1Z attack helicopters.
The West African country intends on buying 12 of the aircraft and a variety of related equipment and weapons including 28 General Electric T-700 engines and 2000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance kits.
Other items listed by the US State Department in a 14 April notice include Night Vision Cueing Display (NVCD) systems; communication equipment; electronic warfare systems; AN/AVS-9 Aviator’s Night Vision Imaging Systems; M197 20mm machine guns and Target Sight Systems (TSS).
'This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner in Sub-Saharan Africa,' noted the US State Department.
'The proposed sale will better equip Nigeria to contribute to shared security objectives, promote regional stability and build interoperability with the U.S. and other Western partners. This sale will be a major contribution to U.S. and Nigerian security goals. Nigeria will have no difficulty absorbing the equipment and services into its armed forces.'
Production of the AH-1Z for the Czech Republic started in February 2022 as part of a H-1 mixed fleet order, with the manufacturer having previously secured export orders from Bahrain and Pakistan.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Sikorsky gains further work to support ‘exportable variant’ of CH-53K]()
Sikorsky gains further work to support ‘exportable variant’ of CH-53K
A new order from NAVAIR sees further work for Lockheed Martin on the Israeli order for CH-53K King Stallion helicopters.
-
![First NH90 TTH of the year arrives for French Army]()
First NH90 TTH of the year arrives for French Army
A total of eight NH90 TTH transport helicopters are expected to be delivered to the French Army in 2022.
-
![USN orders support for advanced imaging sensors on Seahawks]()
USN orders support for advanced imaging sensors on Seahawks
The USN has contracted Raytheon to support multi-spectral targeting systems installed on MH-60R and MH-60S Seahawk helicopters.
-
![Germany dismisses Chinook report but plans heavy-lift helicopter decision soon]()
Germany dismisses Chinook report but plans heavy-lift helicopter decision soon
In another twist for Germany's heavy-lift helicopter acquisition, the MoD has questioned where information about selection of the CH-47F came from, dismissing such a claim and stating that an official announcement will happen soon.
-
![AH-64E and AH-1Z to fight it out for Poland’s attack helicopter crown]()
AH-64E and AH-1Z to fight it out for Poland’s attack helicopter crown
Poland looks to be closing in on an overdue deal for new attack helicopters.
-
![SAMI and Boeing seek JV for rotary-wing MRO]()
SAMI and Boeing seek JV for rotary-wing MRO
With Saudi military aircraft numbers set to double in the next ten years, SAMI and Boeing are joining forces for helicopter MRO in the kingdom.
