Nigeria strengthens its Air Force with T129 ATAK Attack and TB2 Bayraktar UAV systems. With the defense cooperation agreement signed between Turkey and Nigeria in 2021, these steps will begin to bear fruit soon.
Nigerian Air Force Commander Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, who recently made a statement on the new air power concept, stated that he will receive up to 54 warplanes, attack helicopters and UAVs to support his country’s internal security mechanism. Marshal Amao said, “We are receiving T129 ATAK Attack Helicopter from Turkey.”
The USA gave approval for the engine for the T129 ATAK to be sold to Nigeria. Following this approval, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) will deliver a total of 6 T129 ATAK helicopters to Nigeria. The number of TB2 Bayraktar that Nigeria will receive has not been announced.
ASELPOD’lu JF-17
Nigeria, which has recently developed its air power, bought JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan. ASELSAN-manufactured ASELPOD is used in these aircraft, just like the Pakistan Air Force. Precise shooting is carried out thanks to these codes.
Nigeria also signed a purchase agreement for 12 A-29 Super Tucano with Sierra Nevada Corporation and Embraer, owned by the US-based couple Fatih and Eren Özmen, in the past months. The first planes were delivered last summer.
T129 exports increase
Turkish Aerospace Industries is aiming to start deliveries to Nigeria after delivering T129 ATAK No. 3 and 4 to the Philippines recently. Thus, after the Philippines, Nigeria will also be a T129 user.
TAI also signed an agreement with Pakistan for 30 T129s, but the project dragged on because the engine did not come from the USA.
Source Tolga Özbek
