Nigerian Air Force and US Government Hold First Program Review on AH-1z Attack Helicopters

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been assured that the delivery dates for the AH-1Z attack helicopters purchased by the Federal Government remains on track. The assurance came when the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde met with officials of the United States Government and Bell Textron Company in the first Program Management Review (PMR) meeting to discuss progress made so far on the supply of the AH-1Z attack helicopters to the NAF. The 5-day meeting, which began earlier today 16 July 2024 at NAF Headquarters, majorly aims at reviewing the progress made so far regarding the manufacture of the aircraft, ensuring a smooth transition as well as provide technical guidance to the NAF. This collaboration demonstrates the assurance and strong partnership between Nigeria and the US in enhancing the country’s air power capabilities.

The US Government AH-1Z Program Management Office team leader, Mr Kevin Stone, said that the collaboration between the NAF and the US military was a testament to their shared commitment to regional stability, peace and security, adding that the successful implementation of PMR is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s ability to tackle security challenges and ensure the safety of its citizens. A major area of discourse was the follow-up sustainment case, which is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and reduces downtime through comprehensive support services.

Speaking during the meeting, Air Vice Marshal Olatunde said that the PMR meeting underscores the impending delivery of the AH-1Z attack helicopters to boost NAF’s close air support and ground attack capabilities while also enhancing its modernization efforts. He also stated that the AH-1Z Helicopters, when inducted into NAF Order of Battle, will surely bolster its firepower and operational capabilities, particularly in counterterrorism and counter insurgency operations.

Nigeria has sought to procure AH-1Zs for some time. Sales were initially blocked by Congress over human rights concerns; however, during April 2022, it was announced that the U.S. State Department had given its approval for the sale of the type along with support apparatus via a nearly $1 billion contract. The U.S. State Department has decided to authorize the possible sale of a dozen Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, but the arms package does not mention the Hellfire anti-tank missile. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) the package offered to Nigeria, valued at $997 million, consists of: 12 AH-1Z Viper combat helicopters, 28 GE 401C T-700 GE 401C engines (24 installed, 4 spare) and 2,000 APKWS (Advanced Precision Weapons System) laser-guided rockets. Also included are the night vision display (NVCD); a GPS satellite navigation system, but in its commercial version; communications equipment; electronic warfare systems; AN/AVS-9 aviator night vision goggles; and the M197 20 mm tri-tube cannon and ammunition.