Nigeria has bought 12 attack helicopters from MD Helicopters to arm its newly-formed army aviation unit.
Delivery of the 530F Cayuse Warrior Plus Scout/Attack helicopters will begin in the fourth quarter of 2023, the Arizona-based company stated in a press release.
The cost of the deal was not disclosed. It includes spares, flight training devices, logistics support, and aircrew training.
Counter-Terror Effort
The Nigerian Army raised the aviation unit to enhance its effectiveness against terrorist groups in the northeast, such as Boko Haram, according to Military Africa.
The service attributed the prolonged battle against the terrorist group to a lack of air power, the outlet added.
It reportedly plans to acquire 12 American AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters from Israel as part of an over $800-million arms deal.
The Bell aircraft was retired from the Israeli Air Force in 2013.
MD 530F
The 3.3-ton aircraft has an operational altitude of 16,000 feet (4,877 meters) and a range of 194 nautical miles (359 kilometers/223 miles).
It can fly up to 152 knots (175 miles/281 kilometers per hour).
It mounts an under-nose L3Harris Wescam MX-10D sensor turret, which enables the employment of precision-guided weapons such as AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System) guided rockets.
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