Czech defense authorities have offered Nigeria military aircraft, weapons, and communications equipment as Abuja seeks to strengthen its forces against terrorism and banditry.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle secured the commitments during meetings with Czech military officials and defense industry representatives at the Czech Air Force Days in Ostrava, according to a report by Voice of Nigeria.
Matawalle inspected military platforms and equipment displayed at the event, including the L-39 Skyfox jet trainer and light attack aircraft and the L-410NG multipurpose transport aircraft.
The Nigerian delegation also visited exhibits from Colt CZ Group, which produces small arms, ammunition, and ballistic protection equipment, and MESIT, a Czech company that develops tactical communications and surveillance systems.
Matawalle also held separate meetings with Czech defense officials, with discussions covering military training, equipment maintenance, and the supply of advanced platforms for Nigeria’s armed forces.
Nigeria Expands Military Capabilities
Nigeria has been pursuing new military equipment as its armed forces conduct operations against Boko Haram, Islamic State, bandit groups, and other armed organizations.
In September, Bell Textron began production of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for Nigeria under a 2024 US foreign military sale. The program’s first airframe entered production during a ceremony at Bell’s facility in Amarillo, Texas.
In August, the country also announced plans to locally produce armored vehicles and counter-drone systems through a partnership between DICON-D7G and Eagles International for Defence Systems.
Earlier, in May, the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria launched a strategy to expand domestic military production through manufacturing, industrial cooperation, and technology transfer.
