Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: military modernization

  • Nigerian Air Force to Receive 12 New Attack Helicopters from US Firm

    Nigerian Air Force to Receive 12 New Attack Helicopters from US Firm

    In an update published by The Punch, the Federal Government and a US-based defense company reportedly finalized plans to deliver 12 advanced attack helicopters to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of efforts to strengthen airpower against insurgency and banditry.

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reportedly said the first batch is expected by mid-2026. The helicopters are described as having modern night-vision and precision-strike capabilities suited for rugged terrain.

    The deal is said to include training for pilots and technicians and a maintenance center in Nigeria, which would support modernization and reduce reliance on foreign contractors for routine servicing.

    Channels TV and Vanguard also reported the development, including commentary about negotiations and planned basing in the North-West.

    Echotitbits take: Precision air support can shift the balance if integrated with ground intelligence and rapid response. The key will be coordination, maintenance discipline, and clear rules of engagement.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/insurgency-fg-us-company-plan-delivery-of-12-attack-helicopters/ 2026-01-09

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Nigeria moves to buy 24 M‑346 fighter jets in €1.2bn deal to bolster counter‑insurgency

    Nigeria moves to buy 24 M‑346 fighter jets in €1.2bn deal to bolster counter‑insurgency

    Photo Credit: Punch
    2025-12-17

    According to multiple reports, the federal government is advancing a €1.2 billion procurement for 24 M‑346 fighter jets as part of a wider push to strengthen air power against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping threats.

    The acquisition is expected to include training, logistics and longer‑term maintenance support, a key factor for keeping aircraft operational in difficult theatres.

    If delivered on schedule, the jets could expand Nigeria’s precision‑strike and surveillance capacity, particularly in the North‑East, while easing pressure on older platforms and improving pilot training pipelines.

    The real impact, however, will depend on basing, sustainment budgets, intelligence integration and rules of engagement — the ‘tail’ often matters as much as the ‘tooth’ in air campaigns.

    Business Insider Africa: “deliveries of 24 M-346FA fighter jets… almost finalised, signalling a major upgrade of its air power.”

    TheCable: “The deal was reportedly worth around €1.2 billion… [and] included… 25 years of logistical support.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Big-ticket defence buys can shift capability — but sustainment is everything. Watch for financing terms, delivery milestones, and whether procurement transparency improves amid broader security spending scrutiny.

    Source: Punch — December 17, 2025 — https://punchng.com/insurgency-fg-to-acquire-24-fighter-jets-for-e1-2bn/