Nigeria is searching the global market for helicopters for its Army and Air Force to supplement the existing Russian Mil Mi-24/35 Hind and Agusta A109 Power light attack helicopters currently in service.
A total of 12 twin-engine attack helicopters are required, which will be procured through a global procurement. These attack helicopters are required by the African nation’s military in order to improve firepower and strengthen the country’s counterterrorism and counterinsurgency activities.
Why does it need attack helicopters?
They will be utilised to fire at ground and air targets such as tiny drones and armoured vehicles, as well as in search and rescue operations.
Global manufacturers in race
Nigeria has identified HAL, Airbus, and TAI of Turkey.
Nigeria might be interested in a HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). These helicopters have been ordered by both the Indian Army and the Air Force. These helicopters can be used in a variety of missions, including counter-insurgency, search and rescue, and attacking army defences.
TAI’s T-129
The T-129 ATAK helicopter, which is based on the A129 Angusta and is powered by two LHTEC T800-4A turboshaft engines, is competing.
Airbus Tiger
According to sources, it is selling the Tiger HAD, a multi-purpose attack helicopter that can perform armed reconnaissance, anti-tank warfare and destruction, air-to-air combat, ground fire support, air or ground escort, day or night, and in harsh weather.
Nigerian Army Aviation Officers to be Trained by HAL
Six Nigerian Army Aviation officers will receive Chetak Helicopter training at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru.
HAL has signed a contract with the Nigerian Army to provide Phase-II Chetak Helicopter flight training. This follows the signing of a contract between the two parties in April for Phase I of the training of six Nigerian Army Aviation officers. This portion of the course was completed successfully in December 2021.
Phase II of the Chetak Helicopter’s flight training began today and is slated to be completed by December 2022. Each of the six officers will receive 70 hours of flight training under the plan.
BK Tripathy, General Manager, Helicopter Division, and Commodore Anthony Victor Kujoh, Defense Adviser, Nigerian High Commission in India, signed the training contract.
“Platforms with a wide variety of capabilities, such as the Advanced Light Helicopter and Light Utility Helicopter, can be a major strength for the Nigerian Army,” Mr Tripathy added.
Cmdre Kujoh claims that his government is also interested in establishing a connection with HAL in order to acquire assets.
