TSAMTO, April 18. The US State Department has approved the potential delivery of a batch of AH-1Z attack helicopters and related equipment to Nigeria as part of the Foreign Military Sales program.
The total cost of the sale may amount to 997 million dollars. The DoD Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the planned sale on April 14.
The Nigerian government has asked the US administration about the possibility of acquiring 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, 28 T700-GE-401C engines (24 installed, 4 spare), 2000 guidance units of 70 mm guided missiles APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System).
The request also includes the supply of night vision sighting systems (NVCD), a commercial version of a GPS navigation system with a standard positioning service, communications equipment, electronic warfare systems, AN/AVS-9 night vision goggles, 20 mm M197 cannons, sighting optoelectronic complexes, auxiliary equipment, spare containers for engines, spare parts and aggregates, tools, testing and training equipment, technical documentation, personnel training, engineering, technical and logistical support from the US government and the contractor, supervision of the construction of infrastructure facilities, including the provision of plans, drawings and specifications, other related elements of material support and program support.
At the same time, $ 25 million. will be allocated for institutional and technical assistance to the Armed Forces of Nigeria to continue the Air Ground Integration (AGI) program, which includes the development of targeting procedures that are legally consistent with International Humanitarian Law and Legislation on Armed Conflict.
As stated, the implementation of this program is in line with the interests of US foreign policy and national security and will improve the security of a strategic partner in sub-Saharan Africa.
The notification notes that the sale of helicopters will strengthen the capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces to ensure security and stability in the region, and will also contribute to establishing cooperation with the United States and other Western partners.
Bell Helicopter and General Electric were selected as the main contractors for the delivery.
The notice of sale is published in accordance with the requirements of American law. The description and value of the sale reflect the highest estimates based on the initial requirements. The actual purchase price may be lower, depending on the final requirements, financial capabilities and signed purchase and sale agreements, if they are concluded.
Note:
Although the request for the supply of helicopters was sent to the United States for a long time, the project did not progress due to the claims of American lawmakers to respect human rights in Nigeria and accusations of Nigerian President Mohammad Buhari of "slipping into authoritarianism." Nevertheless, it is obvious that in the current situation, the US administration is trying to attract foreign countries to its side by any means and the previously existing problems have receded into the background.
